FoodandHealth.com

It's interesting that thankfulness is in the news this month. I've seen mention of several studies and a couple books on the topic. Some religions, 12-step programs and therapies have long advocated gratitude as a means of feeling happier.

Today is the day we as a nation think more openly about the blessings in our life.

This year, the Dotys have Kate's arrival to count high on our list. She has already completed our family in ways I wouldn't have thought of a year ago.

I'm also very grateful that my job is still on-going. I was supposed to be laid off four years ago, and it keeps getting extended. It's a good job working with great people and now I get to telecommute two days a week, which is priceless with an infant at home. Those days that I'm bogged down with the typical stupidity of work I try to remember how many people are unemployed or flipping burgers.

Now I'm going to go out on a limb here. I can hear you all groaning as I say that I am grateful for my diabetes diagnosis, but please hear me out.

I don't know if I would have been able to quit smoking if I didn't have this chronic condition causing my heightened health concern.

I certainly wouldn't met this online community if I weren't coping with type 2. That's enriched my life in several ways. Probably highest on my list is the sense of belonging. I have never been much of a joiner, but it can be a good thing.

I doubt I would be eating so much better if it weren't for my endo and my nutritionist. This has led to improved health and energy and probably why Kate's gestation went so well.

If I could change today in any way, it would be to be with more family. But, our little family of four is more than enough for today.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure and give some thanks today.