Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the smell of the turkey, mashed potatoes and desserts wafting from the kitchen and the enjoyment of family as the men huddle around to watch football and the ladies make jokes about the men. Mostly though, I love the way Thanksgiving focuses our attention upon all of the incredible blessings that we have to be thankful for. Things that we should be grateful for every day but oftentimes take for granted.

I hope that this Thanksgiving day finds you delighting in the sights, sounds, smells and TASTES of the holiday and that your heart is full as you count your many blessings. If however; you’re struggling this holiday season and not quite feeling the thankfulness vibe, please take heart and take a look around. Even when things are difficult, there are still so many wonderful things for which to be thankful.

In order to help jump-start a gratitude groove, I’ve compiled a list of 50 things to be thankful for. Not every item on this list may apply to your particular situation, but many will. Hopefully this list will serve as a springboard that will help you to take notice of the many blessings that you enjoy and as a reminder to celebrate these blessings every day.

50 Fab-YOU-lous Things to be Thankful for Today and EVERY Day

1.) The fact that you are alive to celebrate another Thanksgiving. Even if your health isn’t great–you’re here for one more day and that’s what matters. Make the most of the day.

2.) The seasons of the year, and of life. No matter what season you happen to be in at the moment, be thankful for the lessons that you have learned along the way and make the most of what each season has to offer.

3.) Your significant other. If you’re coupled, does your honey know just how much you love and appreciate him/her? Thanksgiving is a perfect time to show them how special they are to you.

4.) Your kiddos Even if they are teenagers…ha! Yes, they give us grey hair and wrinkles before our time, but no matter how big or little they may be, they will always be our babies.

5.) Extended family Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…these people all share an important part of your heritage.

6.) Food in your belly. It doesn’t matter if it’s turkey or tofu. If you are fortunate enough to have a full belly this Thanksgiving, you are blessed beyond measure.

7.) Friends. Where would we be without our “broad squad”?

8.) A roof over your head. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be home.

9.) The ability to read. If you can read this post, you are more fortunate than over one billion adults (two thirds of which are women) in this world who are illiterate.

10.) Kittens. Okay, maybe you’re not a cat person, if that’s the case you can be thankful for puppies or hamsters or baby guppies. It’s hard to come up with a creature that isn’t adorable as a baby…except spiders. Spiders are always creepy.

11.) Music. Good music is good for the soul.

12.) The ability to see. The faces of family members, holiday lights, the fire in the fireplace, snow covered mountains…this time of year offers so many wonderful sights. If you are able to enjoy these sights you are truly blessed.

13.) Technology. Yes, sometimes it’s a nuisance (when it isn’t working correctly) but for the most part, technology makes our lives SO much easier.

14.) Work. Even if you don’t just love your job, I guarantee that there is an unemployed person who would love to have it. Be thankful for your work and the opportunities that it provides.

15.) Lost loved ones. Thanksgiving always makes me miss my grandparents SO much. Still, I am so thankful for the years that I had with them and the many happy memories that I treasure.

16.) Living in freedom. As an American citizen, I know that the freedoms that I enjoy on a daily basis did not come cheap. Brave men & women have sacrificed their lives in service to our country in order for me to live in comfort and safety. I will always be grateful for that sacrifice and for those who continue to serve.

17.) Indoor plumbing. I share a house with three big men. I am thankful for toilets that flush. Enough said.

18.) Warm socks. Nothing beats the feeling of soft, warm socks on cold, tired feet.

19.) Laughter. It truly is the best medicine and one of the best ways to solidify a bond between people.

20.) Nature. It’s beautiful and untamed.

21.) Your car, bicycle, moped, skateboard, pogo stick. If your car started this morning, be thankful. If your pogo stick bounced, be thankful.

22.) Smarts. We all have different types of intelligences. You are smart in your own unique way. Be thankful for that.

23.) Tears. They can be cleansing and offer healing. Don’t fight them when they come. Embrace them and be thankful for them.

24.) Ice cream. This one doesn’t really need an explanation, does it?

25.) Grocery stores. We do not have to go out and hunt down our food. We just have to brave the crazed masses in search of green beans for their green bean casserole.

26.) First responders. We hope that we never need them, but if we do, it’s good to know that they’ll be there.

27.) Internet. It makes it so much easier to stay in touch with far away loved ones.

28.) Little kids. Whether they are our own or someone else’s, little kids just make everything more fun.

29.) The clothes on your back. Unless you live in a nudist colony, you likely have some clothing. They don’t have to be designer brands–if they are comfy and warm, they are a blessing.

30.) Sunshine. It provides warmth to the world and a shot of vitamin D to the body.

31.) Rainy days. Perfect for snuggling up with a good book and a cat.

32.) Snow days. Perfect for snuggling up with a good book, a cat and a mug of hot cocoa.

33.) A warm bed. Many people don’t have a bed to lie down in. If you do, you are truly blessed.

34.) Good books. They can take us places in our mind that we may never be able to go in real life.

35.) An education. You may have complained about going to class as a kid, but there are many in this world who would do anything to have that opportunity.

36.) The right to change your mind. Very rarely are things truly set in stone. If there is something that you no longer agree with, change it.

37.) A purpose. Every individual on this planet was born with a purpose–including you. If you don’t know what yours is, you can enjoy a wonderful exploration of your gifts, talents and passions to discover it.

38.) Connection to a higher power. Whether you use the term God, spirit, universe etc. there is something bigger than all of us that connects us and provides direction and perspective.

39.) Nice people. Despite what the news would have you believe, most people on this planet are genuinely nice and willing to lend a helping hand.

40.) The month long holiday season. It provides an opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate the joy of the season and be a blessing to others.

41.) Helpful organizations. The American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research…there are so many worthy causes doing incredibly important work on behalf of those who suffer. Be thankful for the services that these organizations provide and offer them your support if you are able.

42.) Holiday television specials. It just wouldn’t be the holidays without Peanuts, “A Christmas Story”, “Elf” and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”.

43.) Mistakes. Yes, we should even be thankful for our mistakes as they are some of the best teachers that we will ever encounter.

44.) Hobbies. Whether it is knitting, fantasy football, cooking or golf, be thankful for the activities that bring you pleasure.

45.) The stars in the night sky. Let them serve to remind you how vast and beautiful the universe is.

46.) Art. Whether it is sculpture, watercolor, music or theater, be thankful for the enrichment that art brings into your life.

47.) Other cultures. The world would be so boring if we were all the same. Embrace cultural differences and be thankful for the variety that it brings to your life.

48.) Elected officials Okay–this one might be a stretch but if you can’t be thankful for your government officials, at least be thankful that you live in a democratic society where you have the right to cast your vote.

49.) Your value to other people. Whether you feel like it or not, you are important to other people. Your family members love you, your employer depends upon you, your friends enjoy your company. Be thankful for the positive impact that you have on these individuals and be thankful for their impact on you as well.

50.) Your ability to dream about and create a better life for yourself. You alone have the ability to take the reins in your life and create the life of your dreams. Be thankful for your creativity, purpose and talents. These attributes can combine in amazing ways to help you create your most FabYOUlous life yet.