A Time for Being Thankful- A Challenge for YOU!!!!!

I must begin by apologizing. This won't be my typical blog. This isn't the typical time I post my blogs. This week has been a hard week for all of us Americans-literally exhausting! My heart is so saddened when I watch the news and see Facebook and the hate on all levels and all sides.

But before you run, NO, I am not going to go into an Election Day rant. What I do want to say is that this has made me sit back and think of all the things I am thankful for in my life. I always try to take the negative and turn it into something positive. Please help me in my attempt.

Maybe you don't want to hear my list, and that is OK, skip the next paragraph. Super easy. BUT be sure you read the end and take my challenge.

1. I am thankful obviously for my family, without their love, support, and sometimes forgiveness, I am not sure how I would make it through some days. 2. I am thankful for all my friends. Some I have known for what seems forever and some that I barely know. However, I am so grateful that they have reached out to me and in some way offered me kindness, a hug, a laugh or maybe just a smile. 3. I love my furry dog friends. They don't talk back and are always so loyal. 4. My strength. No I am not the strongest person I know, but I do know what it means to work hard and stay strong. I have had many obstacles in my life and somehow by the grace of God, I survived and am able to take on more. That is pretty cool! 5. I have the ability to help others. How awful life would be if you couldn't share what gifts you have been given with others. 6. For my last one, which I will rarely discuss, I am thankful for my spirituality. It gives me hope in our future. I have to add one more because this is pretty special to me. . . 7. My swim babies-actually all babies for their innocence, sweetness and honesty. They never cease to amaze me and make me smile.

My list was not about material things but truly about what matters most in my life. My CHALLENGE to you and you can choose none, any or all:

Facebook has the Thanksgiving Day Challenge, take it. Most people don't read it, but being grateful for what you have in life is such a powerful thing and I feel really helps you appreciate what you do have.

Don't have time for that? Write one thing in my comments on what you are thankful for in your life. I will read it and will appreciate it.

Do something nice for a complete stranger, even if it is just a simple smile. A smile can make or break someone's day.

Or maybe go out of your comfort zone and find a charity, cause, or organization that you think does amazing things and reach out and find out how you can help. Giving your time to others not only helps others but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for you as well.

Finally, encourage others to take my challenge and post it on Facebook. I can't wait to see all the positive comments! Thank you!!!!