I'm Thankful

As my fellow Canadians and I take the day to reflect on our blessings, it's difficult to know where to start. We live in such a bountiful country, with opportunity and prosperity, it feels like every day should be Thanksgiving. But it's not, so let's take the time on this day to fully appreciate what we have.

It's difficult to know where to start. I suppose I could say something trite, like, "I'm thankful I'm not a turkey.", but I'm sure some of my closer friends would take exception to that claim, so let's just dive into the real list...

I'm thankful for my family. It goes without saying sometimes, but never should, that my family is the key to my reason for being. My wife, my boys, my parents and siblings and in-laws. They provide strength, support, protection, comfort, knowledge, and most importantly, LOVE. They're very special to me. And I'm very thankful for them.

I'm thankful for the opportunities in my life. I have a very successful career. I believe I could have been and done almost anything that I wanted. It was up to me. But the opportunity was there. Not so for many others. You've got to feel thankful for that.

I'm thankful for my health. Sure, I could eat better and exercise more often, but I don't often get sick, or suffer pains. I can play with my kids. I can tour a foreign city on foot. I can use my arms and legs to their fullest abilities. I can type this blog. And I can read the results. All the parts work. That's pretty awesome.

I'm thankful for the curve balls in life. Imagine how boring it would be to wake up every morning knowing that nothing interesting was going to happen. I enjoy the twists in the road. It's an old cliche, and part of an Aerosmith lyric, "Life's a journey, not a destination.", and it's true. Enjoy it all, even the bumps.

I'm thankful that all my basic human needs are met. Food, water, air, shelter, etc. It sounds silly to say so, but how many people can't? There are literally BILLIONS! Safe drinking water is becoming a global issue today...and it's only getting worse. We should be thankful that we have it...and we should do something about making it available to others. It's a problem that's not going to fix itself.

I'm thankful for your connection. I've had some fantastic experiences, and met some very special people through an unlikely social interaction. They've changed my life...for the better. Maybe someone you interact with will change your life too. Maybe it will be me. I'd be honored. Just reach out.

On this day, and every day, be thankful that you are alive. Be thankful that you are in control of who you are inside. No one can take that away. Be thankful for everything you are, and commit to making the most of it. After all, you deserve it.

Thankfully,

   Don