Today in the United States it is Thanksgiving Day. Most people around the world see it as a holiday where we Americans stuff our faces and scream at the TV when our football team fumbles, and it’s true, that’s always been a part of my family’s celebrations.

But we also know that we are lucky to be here, in a country where so many different kinds of people are accepted and free to believe and live in the ways they see fit, and above all we know just how lucky we are to have a large and loving family to support each of us any time we may need it. My family is loud and opinionated and politics are strictly forbidden at any holiday table (for good reason!),but we always know that no matter what, we have each other and we absolutely love any excuse to all get together and be crazy where no one is around to judge (because believe me, they would!). Thanksgiving and Christmas are really the only holidays that happens anymore as all the kids (including myself) grow older and so we cherish this time more than any other. In short, we are thankful.

This is the part that a lot of people don’t realize about THANKS-GIVING. And though there is the monthly countdown list people keep of what they are thankful for, a lot of times as the days wear on, they forget why they even bother in the first place and have to play “catch up”. But I believe that being thankful for the people and the gifts you are given in life should be more than one item on your list per November day, but should be a mindset almost. I realize this won’t always happen, as human beings we will never be able to always be grateful for that dang blister or that burnt toast (flippin’ toaster!). I know I’m not. But I was very moved by the challenge The Ripples Guy (aka Paul Wesselman, find him on facebook or youtube or twitter he’s seriously AMAZING!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s true what all of those motivational pins say on Pintrest and Tumblr. Happiness is a mindset, and you have the power right now to choose happiness. Thanksgiving is a reminder of all that we have to be thankful for, and hopefully it is a little easier today to choose to be happy as we stuff ourselves with turkey and gravy, despite the Packers losing horribly this morning (darn…) So by all means make your list, but look at it every day and remind yourself that no matter how dark it seems in your personal tunnel, there is something in your life that will get you through. Sunshine is always brighter once you step out of the darkness and all that. :)

When in doubt, just say: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and at least you have a lot to say! (But better use it carefully or it could change your life!) Then say: “I choose to be happy! YAY!” And laugh because you are talking to yourself, just like me. Lucky you! :) Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving and a whole rest of your wonderful life!

What are you thankful for in your life? Is there anything bad or scary that has had something good come of it? (For example: I am thankful I got shots despite being seriously terribly terrified of needles, because it means I am one step closer to my biggest dreams!)

Ja ne!