Today American’s set forth to escape the ciaos that has become our everyday lives to spend the day amongst family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, and as we gather around tables covered in American traditions old and new, let us not forget the meaning of the holiday.

As you gather around your tables today, remember the true meaning of the day. Regardless of how full your plates or tables are, we can all take a moment to realize we have much to be thankful for. Fullness comes from those who surround our tables and fill our lives.

Too often we forget to thank those in our lives that mean and do so much for us, we fail to see what is truly important in our lives. It has become almost a normal pastime to take our lives for granted, and rarely do we stop to look and see how lucky we really are. I know that even on my worst day, I am one of the lucky ones, and I am thankful that I have been so blessed for all I have and I have learned that what I am most thankful for is not material, but the wealth of people and experiences I have had. I have been blessed to encounter so many people who have shown me nothing but strength and thanks in the face of adversity. Often when one looks back you realize you must even give thanks for the struggles and hardships in your life, as if not for them much of what you have would not be if not for the hardships you previously faced.

Take today to teach the children in your life the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and look to make everyday one in which they give thanks. Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to begin looking at ways in which you can give back to the community. Can’t think of any?…stay tuned as I will be bringing you a list of ways you can help underprivileged children!