Attitude of gratitude

The holiday season has officially begun, and just a few days ago, the majority of us were surrounded by family and friends, perhaps sharing what we thankful for, before diving into a Thanksgiving feast.

Post-Thanksgiving Day, here are a few more things to keep in mind.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the world.

If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 80 percent of the world's wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you are employed; the clothes that fit a little bit too snug, because it means you have enough to eat and the shadow who watches you work, because it means you are out in the sunshine and the lawn that has to be mowed, windows that have to be washed and gutters that need fixing, because that means you have a home.

Be grateful for the spot you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you are capable of walking; the complaining you hear about the government, because it means we have the freedom of speech and the lady behind you in church who sings off key, because it means you can hear.

Be appreciative of the huge piles of laundry and ironing, because it means loved ones are nearby; a huge heating bill, because it means you are warm; the mess to clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends and the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means you have been productive.

And, finally, be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you are alive.

What are you thankful for this year?