With Gratitude.

Next week, most of the United States will be sitting down to dinner with friends and family, all in the sake of gratitude. They will toast the things they are thankful for, and then likely go brawl with each other in the stores looking for the best Green Friday (that’s what retail workers have to call it) Deals that make the trip and the lost sleep worth it. It’s the American way.

Since Mom passed away, I’ve meditated a lot on how she saw the world and how I can benefit from that point of view. People from all across the world will tell you that there is benefit in grounding yourself in a place where you feel compelled to say “thank you.” Business people, religious leaders, home makers, all share the same opinion on being grateful. For that reason, I like to live in gratitude every day. Since we’re celebrating an occasion, allow me to share my reasons to be grateful:

I am thankful for the people who have openly and willingly supported my career without guarantee or promise that they would enjoy my work.

I am thankful that I’ve enjoyed the education required to know how to put words and sentences together in an entertaining fashion.

I am thankful for everyone who has reached out and told me how much they’ve enjoyed my work.

I am thankful for the life experiences that have lead me to where I am today — I wouldn’t change a thing.

I am thankful for the ability to work and still pursue my passions.

I am thankful for everyone who has supported any of my talents.

I am thankful for people who reach out, out of the blue, just to make sure I’m okay.

I am thankful for the random memories that show up when I hear a song I used to love.

I am thankful for chances to connect with old friends.

I am thankful for people who recognize that I am not who I used to be.

I am thankful for chances to make new friends.

I am thankful for opportunities to sit around and laugh.

I am thankful for when people listen to me when I’m trying to tell them how sorry I am.

I am thankful for people who see the value in me.

I am thankful for the ability to see value in others.

I am thankful I look like my father.

I am thankful I sound like my mother.

I am thankful that I remember them both.

I am thankful for my siblings who are always willing to remember our parents with me.

I am thankful for when people tell me what their favorite song is.

I am thankful for when they listen to mine.

I am thankful for the opportunity to say what I’m thankful for.

I am thankful for you for reading it.

Happy Thanksgiving, my American friends! Keep your family and friends close, look for opportunities to make new friends and discover new family, and always jump on the chance to do something kind for someone who will never be able to repay you.

Until your next trip across the Millerverse!