There are so many things we all should be thankful for.

Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday because we make time to reflect and express gratitude for what we have, while spending time with family and friends. I have a strong bond with my brother, and on this day, it’s a tradition that we relax at his home with his family.

He and his wife do the majority of the work prepping the main meal. I enjoy making the pumpkin and apple pies, and the person that brings the big kale & spinach salad. (Are you surprised?)

Thanksgiving seems to get lost in the “preparation” for Christmas though. (Why do people decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving anyway?)  Let’s take advantage of this time to pause and reflect. This will help you focus before charging forward on to the next big thing.

What are you thankful for?

A few things I’m thankful for:

• My husband
• Support from family and friends
• The freedom to choose
• A second chance at life

It is also important to remember we reach out everyday to others as well who don’t have much; they are valuable too.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

*I originally wrote the above in 2010 on my blog a year after the Cyberknife treatment for the brain tumor. Hence “the second chance at life” – that is something to appreciate every, single day.