Okay, let me just get this off my chest. I’ve been an ungrateful ass at times this year. Hell, over the last couple of years. I think it comes from a lack of perspective, something we can all use a healthy dose of from time to time. Here are several things I’m thankful for:

Employment. Not only do I have a job I love, in fact several jobs I love, but the primary fact is, I have a job, period. There are hundreds who are unemployed or underemployed, with no decent or realistic options on the horizon. People with graduate degrees are bagging groceries and waiting tables. Are you thankful for the fact you get to go to work?

Relationships. People are a hurtful lot. They strike out, are disrespectful and even downright mean. But I have some good friends who are not afraid to speak truth into my life, share common goals, and who offer mutual encouragement and when needed, ass kicking. Sure, there have been some negative experiences this year. We still interact with faulty humans. But I’m grateful for the good ones around me. Do you have friendships you’re thankful for?

Family. I don’t know about your family, but mine is filled with dysfunction. But on the flip side, it’s filled with some really cool people who really care about me. My kids are awesome, most of the time. (How could they not be?) My granddaughter is a delight. So while some of you sit down at a large meal with seldom seen relatives, and hope your true feelings don’t come pouring out like turkey gravy, remember there are some good people at that table too. Many people have no family at all. Do you have relatives you can be thankful for?

Health. I’ve slacked off this year. I need to get to the gym more, and lose some weight. I know I’m not the only one. But I can walk, use both arms, run short distances, and pretty much eat or drink whatever I want, even those things I shouldn’t. I don’t have cancer, or haven’t been infected with another serious disease. My body is pretty much whole and functional. How’s yours? If you’re reading this, the likelihood is you have something related to health to be grateful for.

Wealth. Are you living in the United States, or a well-developed country? Then compared to many parts of the world you are wealthy, to some degrees excessively so. We complain about money, and sometimes things can be tight. But if you have a roof, food, clean drinking water, sewage, and transportation you are wealthy. Are there things in your life you take for granted?

Hell, this list could go on for a long time. Here’s the point. Almost without exception, if you are breathing, upright, and reading this, you have something to be thankful. Don’t follow my lead. Stop being an ungrateful ass.

Be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving.