It is the week before Thanksgiving in the United States. It is also two weeks after the day my Mom was born and today is my Dad’s birthday. At this time of year, I am more mindful of my gratitude. I want to remind myself to be grateful for the following not just now but every day:

• The air that I breathe in that first breath of the day.
• The sheets and blankets that keep me warm.
• The beautiful bed a craftsman made for me many years ago.
• People who work with their hands.
• Hot water in the pipes.
• Oil in the tank.
• A roof over my head.
• The food that I eat.
• The sun that shines.
• The rain or snow that falls.
• The sounds of my children’s voices.
• The sound of every voice, for I know they are alive.
• The sounds especially of those I love deeply.
• My partners.
• The insight of my Mother.
• The persistence of my Father.
• My growing relationship with my brother.
• The fact that I was born.
• The fact that I was never dropped off at the prison we passed on the way to in-laws (though threatened many times).
• The car that works.
• That cars are more reliable than ever.
• The incredible mentors I have had in my life.
• That I have the luxury to search for solutions and not food or shelter.
• That glass allows me to see beyond the walls.
• The angel winged begonia in my living room that is now nine feet high and at least as wide.
• Every second that I recognize as unique, one of a kind and one-time through.
• The opportunity to smile.
• The capacity to love.
• The ability to feel.
• The ability to see, when I do.
• Hear, when I hear.
• Touch, when I do.
• The ability to listen.
• The communication of others.
• The thoughts of others.
• Everyone’s heart and mind.
• The laughter of children.
• The power of loving-kindness.
• The laughter of anyone.
• The fact that I can see humor in many things, especially myself.
• You.
• Gandhi.
• The Buddha.
• Christ.
• God.
• Allah.
• Books of every kind.
• Music.
• Peace.
• Tranquility.
• Possibility.
• The fact that we can disagree and love each other anyway.
• That we can communicate with and without words.
• The fact that we have the capacity to love all people.
• That we have the capacity to end war.
• That everything we do counts, the only question is how?

Take time today to see if there may be someone who you might thank whom you may have overlooked.