on family and friends....

Today I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I would not make it through life without each and every one of them. From my 94 and 89 year old grandmothers, who are the backbones of my family, to all of the wonderful friends I have met throughout my life, I appreciate each and every one of them. Each person, young or old, brings something different, unique, and special. I have family and friends who I go to for comfort, others whom I go to for support, others whom I go to for creative insiration, and still others whom I go to for spirit and good cheer. As my daughter grows into her teenage years, I continue to tell her that it is wise to have a few really good friends, and to not put all of her eggs in one basket! I truly believe it is good to have a variety of people with whom you share different interests with. In this way, the relationships do not get old and worn out, but rather, are always young, alive, and fresh. As new people present in my life, one of the comments I hear most often is..."Wow, you have a really close family. Do you know how lucky you are?" My response to that is, YES, I know I am incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful family, and I also know that I am very lucky to have such close relationships with all of them. My cousins are like my sisters, and their husbands my brothers. Since my mom has passed away, my grandmothers and aunts are like second mom's to me! I am blessed to have a loving father and sister, as well. My neice and nephew are like my own children. I love my family deeply, and I enjoy spending time with them. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am looking forward to seeing all of their smiling faces, and celebrating the day with them.
I look around the world and I know there are many, many people who are lonely or alone. Those who do not have a family or close friends. Those who's family are hundreds of miles away, and cannot be together on holiday's. let alone other days throughout the year. I'm really not sure how I was so blessed to have such a wonderful support system, and so many angels in my life, but I thank for Higher Power, each and every day, for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me!

Today's activity: be thankful for family and friends

Today I encourage you to be thankful for your family and friends. This is the time of year, when you need to look around, and take note of all of the wonderful people in your life. Sure, there are rough times in life. times with we fight or argue with loved one's or friends, but I am here to tell you...LIFE IS TO SHORT! Life is too short to be angry and not speak to people. Before we know it, life is gone, sometimes in the blink of an eye, and someone who we may have loved and cherished is gone. As we approach Thanksgiving, take inventory of your relationships, and reach out and thank those who are near and dear to you. If possible, make amends with someone who you may have had a falling out with. And if possible, track down a friend or loved one whom you have not seen in some time. Not only will you be happy to have reconnected, you will find a new avenue of joy and happiness has been opened in your heart!