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We do.

Because without it we too easily slip into the complacency of taking life’s treasures for granted and complaining about petty inconveniences.

I’m not a huge Thanksgiving connoisseur; vegetarian, don’t watch football, hate cleaning up the kitchen and so on, but what I do like is that it gives us a chance to slow down for just a minute and think about those things little things that together combine to make a life worth living, a business worth growing.

Quickly, off the top of your head list 10 things you are happy to have around you; that you would hate to do without.

 My 10 things I’m grateful for right now:

Good health – Though I have my aches and pains like everyone else on the other side of 40, I am alive and fully functional.

Family – A husband who is not deployed this year, a mother and sibling who are close by, children I adore and a new grandson who I absolutely cherish.

Good friends – Steady, wise old ones and wonderfully witty new ones.

A house over my head and food on the table – In this economy…enough said.

Technology that allows me to play “Words” with my friends and family in different cities and see photos and videos of my grandson in the palm of my hand.

A good book…or 10 or 20,000. Words have power – humor, knowledge, comfort and inspiration.

Online shopping – For a busy mom, it is a lifesaver!

Music – Whether working, relaxing, dancing or even exercising, music soothes and energizes at the same time.

Laughter – Smile and brighten someone’s day; laugh and the world laughs with you.

A really good movie – Having recently been disappointed by some of the not-so-well-done productions churned out by the movie industry, I am ever so grateful for the wonderful ones that make me laugh or cry or get angry, especially a masterful work that can do all three.

What’s on your list?

Who do you need to say thank you today? Is there a gesture or act that has gone un appreciated?Is there a thank you card that needs to be written – you can send an email if you have to, but I prefer a good old fashioned hand written note! Say thank you to at least 3 people today for their help or kindness.

Today, I am grateful for apple cider, yummy desserts and unexpected time with my children to share and enjoy.

Related articles

• Seasonal recipes: 5 for apple cider (mnn.com)
• Hot Mulled Cider (frugalrecipes.wordpress.com)

The highest form of thankfulness comes from helping others, even in simple ways. Do a good deed today. You may not have time to serve in a food program, but you can spare a few minutes to help an elderly neighbor or a single parent. Perhaps you can give a caregiver a much needed break or stop at an extended care facility for a visit. We can all do something that benefits others.

Related articles

• What are you thankful for? (kathybrakhage.blogspot.com)
• Try This: ThankThank Notes. Making it easy to send hand-written thank you notes (thenextweb.com)