It’s the season of thanks, the time of year when we stop and maybe open our eyes to the blessings that surround us.

Take the time to be grateful for all of the good in your life.

Sometimes, when we’re facing a challenge, it can be hard to find something to be grateful for. Life can feel overwhelming. I understand, I’ve been there. What I’ve learned from the hard times in my life, is that it feels good to count your blessings. Even in the tough seasons of life, open your eyes and find something to be thankful for.

When times are difficult, there are still things to be grateful for.

I take time each day to acknowledge the bright moments in my day. Feeling grateful for the blessings in my life brings me happiness. It makes me realize how fortunate I am and fills me with deep appreciation. Even when life feels hard, I try not to take anything for granted.

Some days, I make a list of what I’m grateful about before I even get out of bed. Other days, as I’m falling asleep, I think about my day and what I’m feeling optimistic and happy about.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment and count your blessings. Toss in some gratitude when you sit around the table this year. Don’t just pass the turkey and gravy, maybe pass the thanks as well. Count your blessings and teach your kids to do the same.

It doesn’t take a lot of time and the benefits can be huge. Being grateful and appreciative for all the good in your life helps your feel happy and joyful.

That doesn’t mean your life is perfect or that you’re happy with everything going on in your life. Regardless of what you’re facing, you recognize the many gifts you’re fortunate enough to have. You appreciate them and don’t take them for granted.

How many times have we heard someone say, “I didn’t know what I had, until it was gone.”

Why is this? Why don’t we take notice of what we have when it’s right in front of us? Why do we have to lose someone or something before we fully recognize how lucky we were to actually have it or them in the first place? Is it because we’re too consumed with the details of life? Are we too busy to take the time to notice what we have?

I hope not. But, it’s easy to do.

Don’t get caught up in the normal chaos of your life. Don’t wait until something happens in your life that forces you to wake up to the blessings surrounding you.

Make the conscious decision to open your eyes and really see what’s in front of you. Now. Today. You might not like everything about your situation, but I can promise you, there are blessings in your life.

Be grateful. It can make a huge difference in your life.

Living with gratitude can be the difference between living in black and white versus living in color. It will make your life richer, brighter and more vivid.

In this season of thanks, take the time to see the true blessings that surround you and to fully appreciate what you have.

Find meaning each day,

Dara