"Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."

(Charles Dickens)

Today our American friends celebrate Thanksgiving - the inspiring ritual of taking time off to be with your loved ones, eat too much and reflect on all of the wonderful things we have and take for granted during the other 51 weeks of the year.

Today I feel grateful too.

I am grateful I can read, and that I have uncensored access to books.

I am grateful I am non-disabled.

I am grateful for the love I receive from my friends and family.

I am grateful for not ever having had a bomb fly over my head, or needing to step over dead bodies in the street.

I am grateful for the people who inspired me in my darkest hours to hang on, and fight.

I am grateful for the people who have taught me patience, presence and acceptance.

I am grateful for reaching the point in my life where I try to please others less, and myself more.

It’s easy to stew about how we’ve been placed at disadvantage, wronged or hurt, about our mistakes and failures. It’s hard to feel content in a world that constantly pushes us to want more, achieve more, buy more.

Fact is, there is much more we already have, and sometimes that’s everything we need.

This Thanksgiving I hope you feel grateful too.

Thanks for tuning in,

Adina