Thanksgiving is the perfect time to appreciate the tangible and intangible moments of life's wonders. (Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com)
It's easy to get bogged down by the daily grind and forget that there are things - very special things - that happen every single day that we tend to take for granted, or just consider in a rare occurrence. With Thanksgiving upon us, and the need for a universal pick-me-up, here are seven things we can all be truly grateful for. So let's take a minute to appreciate the tangible and intangible moments of life's wonders.
1. WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN
There are both successes and failures in life, and that is what gives us perspective. Be thankful for the rainy days, because they make the sun shine all the more bright.
2. THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
No matter where you are in the world, or what your circumstances, our ability to be kind to those around us with all the goodness of our hearts is the purest part of being human.
3. DAWN AND DUSK
Every day that we are given is one that starts and ends with a promise of a new one - to do better, to help and give freely as we can, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
4. PAYING IT FORWARD
It starts with the grace of one person and can turn into a domino effect around the world. Be and do your best for and to those around you and they will reciprocate the love further. The power to make changes is in our hands, and begins with being gracious.
5. COMMUNICATION IN ALL FORMS
Talking things out is challenging and brave, but we have been given the gift to communicate for a good reason, and although people have their differences, finding compromise among them is something to be grateful for. Communication has the power to unite even the most opposing sides. And it gives us clarity to see one another's points of view in a new light.
6. COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORS
They aren't just around to borrow sugar from - the people we surround ourselves with are the village that is raising our children, aiding in times of need, and even being a shoulder to cry on.
7. OUR SENSES AND OUR BEATING HEART
In sickness and in health, we are blessed with the awareness of our abilities and the potential we have to grow and develop them. Going to sleep to the sound of our beating hearts is the subtlest, yet most generous reminder of our life as we know it.
