Grateful or Great Full?

I'm not a big fan of Thanksgiving. Never have been. I don't particularly like turkey, or stuffing, or mashed potatoes, I don't like watching football, and I'm not big on large family gatherings. But this year, I'm going to overlook all that crap. I'm going to take the opportunity to celebrate this holiday like it was meant to be.

I'm going to give thanks.

It's sad that we need a holiday to remind us of this very simple but very powerful exercise. We get so bogged down in trying to make our lives "perfect". We get carried away with trying to fix those imperfections and loose sight of the true gifts in our lives. Often times, it takes a drastic change in perspective for us to come around, and to start focusing on what we have rather than what we don't. For me, there was no drastic change or event, just some really deep introspection. It brought up a lot of crap, some deeply buried for years, and it was painful. But it's also brought a change in my perspective.

Something else I wanted to mention. This blog I've been reading lately that's really helped me achieve clarity to my thoughts - if you're the insightful type, I think you'll appreciate some of this gal's writing. Her words also inspired me to write this post, so go check it out here.

Here's my grateful list (not necessarily in order of importance):

1. My wife - you've pushed me to be a better man and taught me that it's ok to make mistakes and be human, this is a hard thing for me to accept, especially with my deep seeded fear of failure. But you will keep up the assurance and encouragement, for as long as it takes, despite my stubbornness. 
2. My daughter - you've helped me realize the value of the simple things, your wonderment over the smallest, most inconsequential things has revealed to me a beauty in the world that I'd long forgotten.
3. My folks - you help me remember to not sweat the small stuff. A lesson, it seems, I need to relearn over and over.
4. My brother - your carefree spirit always puts a smile on my face. Problems and worries take a back seat when you're around.
5. My coworkers - You guys have helped bring me out of a deep well of self doubt, I've still got a little ways to go, but I couldn't have come this far with out you.
6. My dog - I admire your loyalty, trust and willingness to be loved. Sometimes, a little snuggle from you is all it takes to make a bad day good.
7. Cycling - I've neglected you this past year, but I know you are there, and I look forward to getting reacquainted.

What's on your "Give Thanks" list?