During this time of year, many people are feeling overwhelmed. With the pandemic and so many "new normals," it can be slightly tricky to adjust. Needless to say, 2020 has been a bit interesting – to say the least. No matter what has occurred in this year's trajectory, there is one thing that each and every one of us should possess, and that is gratitude.  

Gratitude goes beyond Thanksgiving and Xmas. It's not seasonal, and it should have no expiration date. It holds no prejudices. The only requirement is that we remember; nothing more and nothing less.  To be grateful and operate in a spirit of gratitude, we must not forget – even the smallest of things.

When there is a sense of appreciation within, we realise that we must be thankful. It is no longer dependent on what someone says or does for us. It isn't contingent upon what we get. However, it is rooted and grounded in our ability to recognise that we are more blessed than we realise.  During this pandemic, millions of people across the globe have been affected. At the top of the year, everyone was celebrating a new year. Little did any one of us know that 2020 had other plans for us. The unfortunate fact is that so many didn't live to see this day. And while we honor and respect those who have departed, we must take this time to be grateful for what we do have.   Yes, holiday gatherings may have fewer people. And we may have to do more video chats than expected, but it's ok. Gratitude is when we can be thankful for technology and how it will help us love our family and friends.

Nevertheless, be grateful. We are here, we are alive. If you are reading this you have survived a pandemic.  In the wake of this worldwide occurrence, it's evident that many of us have felt the weight of stress and uncertainty. Daily, it has reared its head; daily, we have to flow with it. But we are much stronger than we realize. That is something to be grateful for!  Instead of focusing on what we can't change, let's have gratitude for what remains and what can still positively impact our lives. You can be the reason that someone else smiles with one simple act of gratitude.  

Tell your spouse or loved ones what they mean to you while you have the chance! Now is the perfect time to focus on strengthening those relationships with family and friends. During the busy-ness of life, we often take for granted these opportunities. Now, we have time! Apologise where needed and say "thank you" where necessary. Make memories and live in the moment. Gratitude, in this instance, can resemble laughter and love. It can resemble kindness and respect. It can resemble conversations and virtual fist bumps.  As the year-end approaches, we don't know what 2021 will hold, so let us enter it with gratitude.