There is research out there that correlates thoughts and feelings of gratitude to better health, both physically and emotionally.  One of our social-emotional learning (SEL) goals we are focusing on with our students at school is optimistic thinking: focusing on the positive.  It’s very hard to teach optimistic thinking and not have it trickle into your own life.  I am ashamed to say though that in the busyness of life, I don’t stop often enough to reflect on what I am grateful for.  It doesn’t take long; it just takes intentionality.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving today, I am grateful for so many things in my life but here are a few:

My wonderfully supportive husband, family, and friends…wish I could post pictures of everyone who supports me.

(I take absolutely no responsibility for the matching shirts!)

I have a job that I love. 

(Positive Thinking Hats I made with our 3rd-6th graders for Standards Based Assessments.)

Two dogs and two cats who love us unconditionally.

Pongo has not ingested a rock in over 6 months…knock on wood!

We have a roof over our heads and food soon to be on our Thanksgiving table.

And what makes this Thanksgiving even more special is that Sarah, the vet tech at our amazing vet graciously met us today at the vet’s office to give one very sick kitty fluids.