This week is Thanksgiving in the US, a time for us all to remember the many things that we are grateful for.

Here’s my list of the Top Seven Things I Am Grateful For:

• My kids, they are such a blessing in my life
• My lovely home on the lake, way out in the boondocks
• My partner, my love, my best friend
• My good health and the good health of my children
• Supportive siblings
• Amazing friends, students, and clients
• Spending time in nature every day

Many people do not have these blessings; I try to never take them for granted.

Now spend a few moments thinking about the top seven things that you are grateful for, and write them down. You’ll feel better when you see them written them down.

On Thanksgiving morning, when you wake up, take a few moments to write them down again – in your gratitude journal if you have one. It’s nice to start the day feeling blessed.

And, speaking of good health, what foods will you serve this year for your Thanksgiving dinner? Want to try a newer recipe for a side dish? Maybe something a bit healthier than our old-fashioned green bean casserole? Try green beans almondine, simple and healthy dish! Sauté your green beans in olive oil until they are beginning to soften up. While the beans are cooking, brown some almonds in butter. When the beans are almost done, but still nice and green, add LOTS of chopped garlic, cook until fragrant, then top with the almonds and serve. YUMMMMM! AND, much easier than the old green bean casserole!

Replacing just one of the side dishes on your Thanksgiving table is a great step toward a healthier lifestyle. No need to skip your pumpkin pie or sweet potatoes, after all, Thanksgiving is a once-a-year holiday. Just remember to have only one helping. We don’t pig out on pumpkin, mince or other pies every day, so treat yourself, and feel good about it!

One gift that doesn’t cost anything, and is something we can give to ourselves and our family, is our “presence.” Being totally present with our family members means listening intently to what they say, sharing stories and loving moments, and maybe staying a bit longer instead of rushing off to the next thing on our “to do” lists.

What if the supply chain interruption is a disguised gift to remind us of the endless supply chain of love and well-being that’s right at our fingertips?

Perhaps the biggest lesson from this year and a half of lockdowns, not hugging each other, and social isolation, is about bringing more presence to our lives by fully sharing our life and our time with those we care about… What do you think?

Meanwhile, here is a 5 minute relaxing meditation for you. Take care of you this holiday week!

Best of Health at Thanksgiving and Always,

Kathi