Did you check your calendar just now? You're right, we are nowhere near November, and all the green things outside the window attest to that. When Thanksgiving draws near, we begin to ponder all our blessings and of course, count them. Let's stretch ourselves and broaden our scope for daily, year-round gratitude.
We have blogs that were written about people of certain occupations, and about one particular Marine who is near and dear to my heart for appreciation during the month of May. In addition to those people and in reflection of our site's name, we can be grateful for all our family members, whether they are related by blood, proximity, faith or some other bond. Family is our inner circle; they are the ones who know us best, and we can trust the most. In our formative years, family taught us, helped form our worldview, comforted us and encouraged our efforts at exploring the world. Family members are also the ones who can drive us the most crazy with embarrassing moments we'd like to forget and by pushing the button that will get on our last nerve. We can still be thankful for them, though, because they'll be the first ones to defend and protect us from bullies and gossipers. They love us despite our flaws, and we love them despite theirs.
We can also be grateful for where we live. We have some visitors to this site from other places on earth, but most of us are Americans. For what do we in the United States have to be grateful? Oh, so much! Let's start with the fact that we teach our children, and girls in particular, how to read. I am deeply grateful I was taught all the basics as well as instilled with the belief that hard work and perseverance would pay off. I'm also grateful for a public university, where I was able to hone career and life skills. Wherever we live, we can be thankful for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether in a small town or a big city, a state or national park is usually within a few hours' drive. We can hike, camp, canoe or stay in a park lodge and enjoy the view. We have boundary waters, prairies, deserts, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, bayous, etc. The United States' best resource, however, is its people. While, as one beloved friend says, "generalizations are generally true," meaning an overall statement does not apply to every particular person, we are for the most part a hard working, generous bunch that values family.
I can go on, but I think you get the idea at this point. In every situation and circumstance, we can be grateful. When someone falls and breaks an arm, we can be grateful nothing else was damaged. When there's a car accident and everyone walks away uninjured, we can be thankful cars can be fixed or replaced. When we're tired from a long day of work, we can express gratitude for our job and the things it provides.
But why should we be grateful? Why count our blessings, big and small? Why have gratitude for the not-so-great things that happen to us? Because gratitude makes us better people. When we can find the silver lining, we stop complaining about the hand we've been dealt. Less complaining makes us more pleasant to be around, and we have more joy in our lives. We are content with what we have and with whom we are spending time. This makes us more resilient in handling life's difficulties, because we have gratitude to fall back on.
Last but not least, I'm grateful for you all. I'm so glad you've decided to check out the site and read the blog. This month, I'm asking you to tag a friend on our Facebook post for a chance to win $100 shopping spree at PublicSquare. Happy tagging!
