Ever since I was a teenager, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. I became aware of being grateful after my family had a devastating financial crisis that changed our lives and, although I had to grow up a little faster, I learned to enjoy the simple things and still do. Here's my gratitude list for this year.
- Everyone I love is safe. I had friends and family at the Vegas shootings; although emotionally scarred, no one was killed or wounded, and in time all will be okay. My friends in Napa County are living through their homes and towns being destroyed, and this Thanksgiving, everyone is just happy to be alive, including me.
- I am healthy. This is something most people take for granted until they become unwell or get into an accident. I live in an area where people tend to take care of themselves, but things still happen, no matter how much you watch your diet and exercise. I feel blessed to still be vertical with all my original organs.
- I have love in my life. I don't know why she puts up with me. She appreciates the simple things in life, and we connect in deep ways while sharing a love of life and each other. She has taught me to enjoy many new things, which makes us even closer. Love can happen to anyone at any time, so if you are open to it, get ready.
- I haven't lost my sense of humor. With all the pain in the world and with all the hurt that I see in my office, I can still laugh at a good joke. Maybe that's because I might need to, but I know therapists who have lost that ability, and that's just sad. When you take in a lot of pain that isn't yours, you need to have a means of releasing it, and I am grateful that I can stay balanced in a world that is generally not.
- Technology is becoming my friend. After years of struggling to catch up, I know I'm still on the backside of the learning curve, but now I am much more comfortable finding my answers on Google and learning how not to break things while fixing them on YouTube. We live in an amazing time, and I am grateful that I can embrace it.
- I have great friends. We all have full lives, so we don't have a breakfast club, but when we do see each other, it's like no time has passed, and all the joy is still there. Old friends are a gift; even if you don't share the holidays, you'll always remember to text a "Hi" to those you love.
- I love the food. Most of us do, but somehow a turkey with all the trimmings, made with love by you and the people who care for you, just makes it so much better. I can eat Turkey Day leftovers for the entire weekend. A Thanksgiving meal is food not just for the body but for the soul as well.
- The holiday gives me a chance to give back. I usually spend Thanksgiving morning at a homeless shelter serving meals to those in need. This year, we are going to the animal shelter to do the same thing the day before. It makes me feel good to take care of any creature who can't care for themselves. It will do the same for you.
Another reason I love Thanksgiving is that most everyone has an attitude of gratitude. If you haven't reflected on what you are grateful for, there is no better time than Thanksgiving. If things are not as good for you as they were, take pleasure that you are alive, and find three things to be grateful for. If you remind yourself of them every day, your life will get better. For me it's love, health and a happy home. What about you?
(Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, Calif., is the author of "The Happy Couple: How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time." Follow his daily insights on Twitter at @BartonGoldsmith, or email him at [email protected].)
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