Pausing to Give Many Thanks

There's a lot of less than cheery news out there. People are "worried", "fearful", having to "cut back", etc., etc. This isn't surprising since all it takes is the push of an "on" button to hear or watch news about the next development in our "global economic crisis". It's even more depressing for those pain and drama seekers hell bent on checking on their investments day after day.

So what does a LMF4HMW reader have to be thankful for on this day before a national ode to Thanks? A lot.

Clean Water. Many in this world do not have this basic source of life that we take for granted every day. Ditto food, shelter, and a warm bed. How rough must it be for those going to "bed" hungry on the cold streets? Freedom. The U.S. is an incredible country. It seems that many focus on tearing it apart and sadly, it can be easy to forget the sacrifices made by our service men and women. Education. It's an investment with a sky-high, linear return. Family, friends and loved ones. Without them, life would be so much less rich. Health. If you found out you had a terrible, life-threatening illness today, would a portfolio return, work project or anything that's currently frustrating you really matter? Time. Every minute of every day is precious. And we get to choose how to spend it given our gifts of freedom, education, health and those with whom we have meaningful relationships.

Spend some time during the next day thinking about how truly lucky you are to have the aforementioned gifts. Ponder how you might best give something of yourself. And how you can develop gratitude and peace given these benefits. Most of all, pledge to think more this way in your life throughout the year -- not just on this very special day of Thanks.