Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'll have a house full of relatives. I'll be up early putting the turkey in the oven and the rest of the day will be a flurry of activity as I prepare the meal. Once I put it on the table, I'll raise a glass and we will go around and each say something we are thankful for.

As I got thinking about what I would say this morning (and everything I have to do before I raise that glass) it got me reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for.

My family is happy and healthy. The kids are growing up to be good kids and while we have our usual tough time as parents, they are damn good kids and the fact that they know right from wrong and so far have not gotten into any real trouble is a lot to be thankful for.

Laura and I have a uniquely awesome relationship that honestly gets better every day. We've been together for a very long time and to call her my best friend would be an understatement. Our life is full of honesty, humor, intimacy and daily good times. I couldn't be happier with any other woman.

I reached a life long goal last year at this time when Content Rules was finished and about to come out. The past twelve months have been a flurry of travel, awesome reviews, book sales that I never imagined and validation that I know what I'm talking about. We've been asked to release it as a paperback and I have the contract for my next book sitting next to me about to be signed. Telling people I'm an author never gets old and I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming sometimes.

Financially this past year was not a great one. But, I am thankful because I've kept a roof over my head and with so many good people out of work I have no right to complain in this area. Yes, I need to strive to make 2012 much better, but I'm thankful that I have what I have and that is a lot compared to many. Plus, who out there doesn't always want more? I think it is human nature. I just need to get this balanced out better than it is right now.

I'm thankful that I have no major health problems. The hernia surgery earlier this year opened my eyes that I've got to focus more on living a healthier life and I'm thankful that I've  finally started to focus on that. No crazy diets or fad jumping here. It is really simple for me. Eat healthier food, get more sleep and exercise more. All of us should be doing those three things and I'm thankful that they are all getting easier for me.

My life is made better every day by the friends around me. People can complain all they want about social media and being burnt out by all the networks out there. Those networks have lead to super important friendships and I'm thankful that I've got to spend quality time and share in amazing experiences with many of them in the past year. There is never enough time to do everything I'd like to and I need to fix that in the coming year. I sense open roads, mountain trails and lots of photographs.

We all can complain, bitch and be overly grumpy, but at the end of the day I'd rather focus on the positive and be thankful for what I have.

With too many families dealing with a loved one being on the front line of a war, out of work or in a hospital room, my problems are nothing to compare.

Be thankful. Embrace the hand you've been dealt and push forward.

To each of you who have been part of my life in the past year, I thank you for making my life the wonderful roller coaster ride that it is.