It’s October, and where I live in central Canada, leaves are changing from green to eye-catching shades of yellow, orange, and red.

This weekend is Thanksgiving, and maybe you’ll be seated around an elaborately decorated dinner table with family and friends, sharing food, drink and merriment.

Someone might say a prayer of thanks, and during or after the feast, you may be invited to share what you’re grateful for, as is often part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Responses will likely include the ones we hear most often—loved ones, health, and food.

But what if you were asked to talk about some of the less obvious things that can make up a gratitude list? 

What are you grateful for every day when you wake up?

Without thinking, take a few minutes for yourself, sit down, and write 10 things.

That’s what I did the other day, and here’s what I came up with.

10 Things I’m Grateful For

1. The changing seasons

2. Green grass

3. The sun and moon

4. Eyes to see beauty everywhere

5. Comfort

6. Opportunity

7. Ears to hear laughter, music, and enjoyable conversation

8. Children

9. Feet to take me where I want to go

10. Memories

We don’t have to wait until special holidays to give thanks.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine