While I believe Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays we have going in the United States, I also firmly believe in the statement, “Thanksgiving is good—but thanks “living” is even better.” So with gratitude on my mind, this week I’ve been dwelling on how very much I have to be grateful for—and it inspired me to take the time to write out my top ten. Hopefully, by sharing my list you will be inspired to do the same. Oh, and self-servingly, it is also a great opportunity for me to announce the publication of my latest book, You Get To Make It Up—a SMART Living 365 Guide to Creating a Happy & Meaningful Life.
Of course I also realize that some of my readers don’t live in the U.S. so Thanksgiving isn’t on their calendar. But from what I’ve read, a number of other countries celebrate something similar…. Canada observes their gratitude day on the 2nd Monday of October. And it appears they started celebrating Thanksgiving Day long before the U.S. picked up the idea. Plus China, South Korea and Vietnam all commemorate a special gratitude day every autumn tied to the moon cycle. While it’s not called “Thanksgiving” the idea is very similar. Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Brazil, and the U.K. also have special days of gratitude and harvest each year. But when you really think about it, remembering how important it is to pause and be grateful is likely a universal idea, regardless of whether it’s an official holiday or not.
So what about my list? While this list does not contain everything I’m grateful for—these items came immediately to mind when I started to write.
- My new book. While I’m grateful for all the books I have published, it always feels particularly rewarding to finish a book and present it to the world. I began working on this book in 2018 so it was a long time coming. Fortunately, now that it is out and available—I’m completely thrilled with the look and messages it contains. While I will be delighted if or when others read it and enjoy it—a big part of my gratitude comes from just being able to create something I consider to be of value.
- My husband/partner/teacher/best friend—Thom. I realize that not everyone is in a relationship right now, but that should never stop us from celebrating and being thankful for anyone we have ever loved in our life. Thom and I have spent nearly 43 years together and like I’ve said repeatedly—it continues to deepen and sweeten as time goes by.
- This year has contained a couple of “interesting” health experiences for both Thom and me. Fortunately, we seemed to have navigated them well and now are back to doing better and better. What those experiences clarifies is how precious good health is, and why it is something to be grateful for every single day. Never, ever, ever take your health for granted!
- Loving my home and community. When Thom and I were younger we moved every couple of years. (One of the benefits and/or drawbacks of being in the real estate business!) But nine years ago we bought our current home and we’re still here. Every time we are tempted to move anywhere else, all we have to do is make a list of all the great qualities our home and community holds for us. I’ve always believed that if you are not mostly happy where you live—then figure out a way to move where you will be. Life is too short to live anywhere that doesn’t bring you peace and contentment.
- Good friends/family to talk to and share life. I for one know it takes intention and effort to connect with friends and loved ones on a regular basis. Good relationships seldom happen by accident. This year I made a special effort and was rewarded in many ways. When things are going perfectly in our lives, it might not seem as necessary. But when a challenge occurs, it is our connections that will often support us and see us through to the other side.
- Travel and Adventures. I know I am extremely fortunately that Thom loves to travel and try new things (almost) as much as I do! This last year we took a 30-day road trip up the Pacific Coast to British Columbia and back. We also spent a month in the mountains and a month and a half at the beach. Between those and several visits to Baja, MX it was a very good year. And oh yeah, I already have a big trip to Spain and Portugal planned for 2020! I’m so very grateful to have the resources, the time and the good health to do this!
- My dog Kloe. While coming up with this list, my constant companion Kloe is laying in her bed staring at me. Sure her eyes droop now and then, but she nearly always monitors every move I make. She isn’t a cuddly dog—more like a cat—but every day she insists on walking me and will guilt me if I slack on exercise. She is always happy when I come home and instantly forgives me for just about anything when necessary. Her unconditional love and acceptance is part of my every day.
- Health Insurance. Like I mentioned above, this year had a few unexpected health challenges for Thom and me. Fortunately we both have insurance—Thom started Medicare and I am fortunate to be able to pay for my expensive, but good insurance. Of course, not everyone in our country or the world can say the same. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all be grateful for such a fundamental need?
- My financial situation. I know in our culture that most of us don’t like to talk about our money. By saying I have enough it might sound like bragging. But the truth is, because we rightsized our lives 10 years ago, Thom and I have been able to minimize our expenses and maximize our savings. Also, because of that we can afford things like good health insurance, travel and other items some people can’t afford, mainly because we don’t have to use our money just to exist. So while I’m very grateful that I have savings and money to buy what I need and enjoy myself—I’m also well aware that it requires making daily choices and trade-offs.
- A growing awakening and direction that I see happening in our country. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get political. While I avoid taking stands on any issues reflecting politics here on my blog, I must confess that the last couple of years had me troubled. I’m still concerned about many issues facing our country and our world, but I have noticed a shift on many regards that gives me hope. Let’s face it—without hope for our future, it is very difficult to be grateful for anything in our lives. And let’s always remember we are all connected.
So there you have it. Looking back I can see my list isn’t that remarkable. I’ll bet every single one us has things worthy of being put on our own Gratitude List—and I sincerely hope you take the time to make one. And would you please put JUST ONE THING you are most grateful for in the comments below? I think it is always SMART to share what we feel most thankful for—and spread the gratitude around. Whatever you do, “Happy Thanks-Living!”
Congrats on the book, Kathy. I’ve already got it ready and waiting on my iPad!
I love your list of “Gratefuls”…we, too have had a couple of “interesting” health issues this year. It just brings into the forefront exactly what is important, doesn’t it. Glad you seemed to have navigated yours ok.
I understand what you mean about being thankful for your financial situation. Without our own “rightsizing” we couldn’t live the way we do, making the choices that we do. As I type this Dan is off with a buddy, one of our new neighbors, on the little fishing boat hopefully catching some bass in a local lake. We are going on a cruise in a couple of weeks, returning just before Christmas. The rv is wrapped up snugly in NH waiting for our great American roadtrip next fall/winter. And the sailboat will get its outings this winter in FL as well. Planning, saving, and rightsizing at work.
But without good health much of this would not occur.
Looking forward to your pearls of wisdom from your latest book!
Hi Nancy! Thank you! I REALLY hope you enjoy it and would love to get your feedback on it. Oh, and an honest review on Amazon would be icing on my Thanksgiving Cake! I sincerely hope that you’re interesting health issues are being resolved as we speak as well. Certainly all the other things are good to be thankful for, but the health one REALLY gets your attention when you realize how much most everything else is tied to it. It certainly keeps things in perspective, doesn’t it? And yes to rightsizing so that we can live the life we hope to create! Whatever you have planned on Thursday, may it be a happy and thankful one! ~Kathy
Huge congratulations on your book, Kathy! I like how you described Kloe. I am grateful every day. My most recent thought is celebrating our 41st Wedding Anniversary yesterday. My heart is full. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours:) Erica
Hi Erica! Happy 41st Anniversary! You and Chuck are right behind us. Isn’t it amazing? Time goes very fast if we aren’t paying attention. And yes to a full heart this Thanksgiving and EVERY day! ~Kathy
Fantastic list, Kathy! While some items may appear small, they are big in many ways because of their effect on your general well-being. Congratulations again with your new book. I’m reading it during any spare time I find. I hope to get back to you on Monday or Tuesday.
Thanksgiving is Mark’s favorite holiday. Except, this year he doesn’t have a holiday that day, but the nightshift. It’s also my birthday on the 28th, so we will have to catch up later with our celebrations.
As I grow older, I also grow more thankful. My list is similar to yours, except maybe the financial part and the “lack” of travel. I’m also thankful for the fact that we are both intelligent and resourceful and find jobs when needed. And, I’m always thankful for having the flexibility and freedom and sense to “make it up”!
Hi Liesbet! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy life to read my book. You’ve read every single one of them and provided great feedback that is much appreciated. And Happy Thanksgiving AND Happy Birthday! Bummer that Mark has to work but hey, like you said you can celebrate another time…and isn’t flexibility and freedom a WONDERFUL thing to have? Looking forward to hearing from you! ~Kathy
Congratulations on your book! And wishing you and Thom a happy Thanksgiving as well!
Deb
Hi Deb! Thank you! I’m always happy to put another little creation out in the Universe. And yes, it’s looking like a happy Thanksgiving for sure. May your “transitions” be going well too! ~Kathy
Kathy, I am fond of gratitude posts as they always remind me of what I too am grateful for. Like you, my hubby (Tim), my home(s), good health care coverage, and financial security are always the top of my list! I am also thankful I have choice. That I live in a time and place (relationship/country) that supports that. I appreciate your last one… not one I would have put on my list, but it is nice to think about hope for the future.
Hi Pat! You do have a LOT to be thankful for! And isn’t it SMART for us to all remind each other of it? Plus I heard a talk over the weekend and I was reminded that we all need to carry a kernel of hope inside of us because otherwise why bother? I believe 2020 will be a very important year for us on lots of levels so I am hopeful that at the end of it we can all be equally (or more so) thankful that we are today! ~Kathy
I’m not a big fan of the holiday Thanksgiving, which to me means too much football, to much food, and too many close encounters with sometimes-contentious relatives. However, I’m all in favor of the concept of gratitude and being thankful for our health, our mates, our friends and community … and all the wonderful opportunities given to us by modern life, from world travel to indoor plumbing. And … congrats on the new book!
Hi Tom! Is it a “Tom” thing? 🙂 My Thom read your comment and said he felt pretty much the same way. He actually isn’t a big “holiday” person over all. I wonder how many others actually feel that way too. But like you point out, I don’t think you have to be a “Thankgiving Day” person or a “holiday” person to appreciate the power of gratitude. Oh, and I’m grateful to YOU for always throwing in a thought provoking comment here on SMART Living! ~Kathy
There’s something to be grateful for each and every day. I’m grateful for the home in my heart, my home in the hills, and the people who lead me there.
Hi Mona! I agree that we often forget how connected we are to our “place” and to the people who have come and gone before us. Thank you for that reminder. ~Kathy
Congratulations on your new book, Kathy! I like your list. You are so right, we have so much for which to be Thankful..Thanksliving makes excellent sense to me!
Hi Kathy,
Congratulations on your new book!
I look forward to reading it.
There are so many things I’m thankful for:
Thankful that I recently rightsized my life by:
Moving from the craziness of Vancouver, WA to a small town on the Central Coast in California.
From a large 2,600 sq ft (4bed/3bath) home to a small (1bed/1bath) home.
Thankful to be living closer to my adult children who live in the Bay Area and on the Central Coast.
Sad and thankful for the end of a 3-year relationship with a wonderful man who was just not ready to move to California. Sad that it ended but thankful for the time spent together, the experiences we had, and my personal growth.
Thankful to be living and working where I’m going to eventually retire.
Thankful for the new friendships that are developing with some interesting women I recently met.
Thankful for my new community and all the new opportunities and experiences.
Thankful for you and Thom.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for sharing your gratitude list with me/us. It does sound like you have much to be grateful for…AND maybe more importantly, you realize that even in less wonderful experience, they can remind us of the good we’ve had and what we hope to experience more of in the future. How exciting that you’ve made a good move that will serve you in the years ahead and it sounds like you are well on your way to making it a home. Please continue to check in here and let us know how your new life is going! And now that you’re living in California…we are practically neighbors! I hope you have a spectacular Thanks-Living in the days ahead. ~Kathy
Hi Donna! I’m hoping your Thanksgiving was wonderful in every way. I’m pretty sure I saw photos on FB 😉 Thank YOU and Richard for being such wonderful hosts this last year. Looking forward to the next time we “meet-up!” ~Kathy
A great Thanksliving list Kathy. Another thing on my gratitude list is the ability to read, think, study and then make decisions to move in this direction, but not that one.
Hi Gary! As one of my “proofers” for my new book I’m not surprised that you recognize what a gift it is to be able to consciously choose directions that are more fulfilling for us all. As you are aware, “You get to make it up!” Thank you for your help with the book AND being the very first person to do a review on Amazon. I am REALLY grateful for YOU. Happy Thanks-Living! ~Kathy
Kathy, I know all about health issues and how they can alter your life for a while. Grateful that you and Thom are doing well and congratulations on your new book.
Hey Beth! Thank you. Yes, our body (and the health of it) does remind us now and then about what is really important and what we have to be grateful for. Happy Thanks-Living to you and your family! ~Kathy
I just retired and am new to your blog (and any other retirement blogs I run across). It’s great to see a lively conversation online about how to make good choices for a good life in the second half of life. Thanks!
I’m grateful for many things, but one was having enough financial stability to take six weeks in Florence with my husband this fall, to celebrate my retirement from teaching and ease the ache of not starting the school year again.
Hi Nancy! Thanks for jumping in here and sharing your thoughts with me/us! And how GREAT to spend six weeks in Italy. That was certainly a wonderful way to kick off your retirement and yes, plenty to be thankful for. I am going to go to your blog and see if you’ve written anything about your trip? I love hearing about other people’s adventures! And Happy Thanks-Living to you and your family!
Isn’t our good health more precious every year? We are so fortunate to be healthy and to have good health insurance to for when the aches and pains become too much for a time!!
Congratulations on your book. Will check it out.
PC and I have only been married 11 years and have been in this house that long. At the time that we married, we have 2 children at home and needed all the space. Now we are empty nesters. The only time we need this much house is when the kids come home, but one daughter has moved back to El Paso and she has room in her house for company, too. It might soon be time for us to downsize although I love my home.
Hi Leslie! Glad to hear you’re health and that of your family is good now too. So important. And I strongly recommend you consider scaling back some if you have a place and things you aren’t using…BUT I am strongly attached to the idea of “rightsizing” instead of downsizing. It makes the journey so much more rewarding. And Happy Thanks-Living to you and your family! ~Kathy
You & Thom!
Hi Deb! hahaha…I could say the exact same thing about YOU…oh, and Kenn too of course!!! 🙂 Very much looking forward to your upcoming visit and a chance to spend time with you. ~Kathy
So much to be grateful for… including your friendship. Right now, I’d say that I’m most grateful for my best friend/traveling companion/husband who makes my journey through life more fun, more interesting, and – at times – more challenging ?. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Haha, that question mark was supposed to be a happy face… not sure what happened.
Hi Janis! I happen to like that ? mark. And I am thinking that in some ways “interesting” makes the relation more interesting. Glad you are both happy and I loved seeing your travel photos on FB! ~Kathy
I like “Thanksliving” it is a great take on the Holiday! I am grateful for good health. Knock wood this has been a good year for me but my husband had had several issues that were tense but all had good outcomes and we are thankful that he is on Medicare with the Cadillac plan so his procedures have all been covered! Congratulations on your New Book!!!
Hi Haralee! I am particularly thankful that I got to meet you in person this year. You are as wonderful as I expected! And glad to hear your family has managed to get past a couple of health issues. And YES to the Medicare Cadillac plan! That’s what Thom has too. As for me…five more months and counting!!! Happy Thanksliving Haralee and Family! ~Kathy
Quick correction: we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, not November, to give thanks for the harvest of both farm crops and gardens. I am thankful that I live in this beautiful and diverse country.
Hi Melanie! Okay..thank you for that correction. I will change the post right now. And yes you do live in a gorgeous country (at least the parts of it I’ve seen!) And the people are very nice too! ~Kathy