We have so much to be grateful for, don’t we? Really. Having recently returned from India, I can tell you, we have SO much to be grateful for. So many conveniences. So much wealth. So, my question for you is, is that the story you tell yourself? Is your story one of happiness, fulfillment and gratitude? Or, is there something missing, at least in your mind?

If you are like all other humans, we are always in the process of thinking we need or want more . . . more of something. And in that thinking, we sometimes become unhappy. Unfulfilled. Tense. Frustrated. You get the picture. We think that when we have whatever that is, then we will be happy. We place the responsibility for our happiness in something outside of ourselves and tell ourselves a story of deprivation instead of gratitude. Perhaps you think you need money, or a partner, or more friends, a thinner body, a stronger body, or a job. Whatever that is, this Thanksgiving, find the gratitude in not having it. Find the “happy” in what is, right now. What is this situation showing you? How are you growing? Who do you have to thank? Is it possible that not having that thing is what is helping you to find your true nature, your true security, your true self — that faith in a benevolent universe that is your only real security and happiness?

This is true for me. Off and on, I tell myself a story that if I had a partner, a regular music gig, a million dollars, and could turn the clock back about 20 years, then everything would be great. But, is that true? Maybe, maybe not. Each one of those things brings its own gifts and challenges. In truth, being single in my 50s, selling my home of 18 years to lighten my load, and continuing to face everyday the challenges of a solopreneur, I am learning to have faith in the only thing that is permanent and real — the Divine. And I’m having so many wonderful experiences of freedom, creativity and adventure, I can’t even begin to count them.

This Thanksgiving, think about the story you are telling yourself right now about your life, your work, all of it. Is it one of gratitude? I encourage you to look for the “happy” in what is. Most of us can’t see into the future, so can’t know how valuable our current experiences are!

Meister Eckhart, the German mystic who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries, said “if the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Happy Thanksgiving, and thank YOU!