thanksgiving 2014

from a young age, i was challenged by my mother to write down three unique things im thankful for each day. at first it was easy. as time wore on, i thought to myself - i have to start over and write down everything i've already realized i'm thankful for. nope. instead, i expanded my thinking and started thinking of new things each and every day. 

today, i share my three with you:

1. i am thankful for people with differing opinions. i'm not saying everyone needs to vocalize their opinions the way they do, but i appreciate people who think about a situation enough to have a stand on it. the world would be sooo boring if everyone were the same. 

2. i am thankful for tough experiences where you don't know how you're going to get through it. the ones that bring you to tears, and you're overwhelmed. they have given me so much strength and perserverance, and make me realize that i can get through it. it might not be easy, it might not be quick. but it'll be worth it (somehow) in the end.

3. i am thankful for my ability to find the positives in situations. dont get me wrong - i am nottt a ball of sunshine all the time, but i did have a friend tell me that while he is a pretty positive person, i always seem to find a different way to put a positive spin on a situation. instead of not reaching a goal, look at how much better you did today than yesterday. if you're in line at the post office for 25 minutes, you have someone to mail something to, and the money to do it. if it's cold outside, you can feel temperature.

i challenge each of you to do the same. think of three unique things you are thankful for each day, and i promise you, your life will be changed for the better. 

enjoy your day however you choose today - with yourself or your dog, with 20 or 100 people. just be thankful, today and tomorrow.