“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every person has many, not on your misfortunes, of which everyone has some.” – Charles Dickens

In this day and age, we are experiencing some of the same problems encountered over forty years ago. The increases in prices for things such as food (a shortage of items), gasoline for vehicles, utilities, etc. has affected everyone, no matter where they are on the economic spectrum. So many struggle just to make ends meet.

Even though the outlook may be bleak, there is a smidgen of light. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, it affords us the opportunity to not focus on the bleakness, but on our blessings.

When we center on our blessings, it oftentimes brings positive emotions into play and opens the shades of despair/doubt, permitting the light of hope to shine through. I too have experienced the despair of what is currently affecting many, but when I focus on my blessings that places some of the problems at bay, and at such times find myself “swimming in blessings,” such as those reflected below:

Personal Health — Reflect on your health, and how even the small things have significance. As an example, for me, that means maybe a halfway decent night of sleep or the ability to make the chainsaw sing, along with enjoyment of other activities.

Family/Friends — There are occasions when either reminiscing about events through photos or spontaneous reflections reawaken cherished memories. Many times, these occasions bring forth fond memories of loved ones and friends who have passed on, and these, in turn, are positive.

Tragedies and Challenging Times — Through life’s journey, we have or will encounter challenging obstacles and tragedies. How they are dealt with not only defines us, but also provides the opportunity to learn — about ourselves, about others, about life. These challenging encounters may bring people and relationships together who were once fractured. As a result, these events could bring family and friends together who may not have done so otherwise. In time, we may learn that what we once considered challenging times were actually blessings.

Spiritual Relationship — We can be thankful that we have the freedom to worship as we so choose in the U.S. This right has provided us the opportunity to choose, or abstain from, the spiritual path. The direction I have taken is spiritual, and this has enhanced and enriched my life to the nth degree. To accompany this, I have incorporated the following phrases: “Let go and let God” and “It is in God’s time.”

So, instead of negatively lamenting on manifestations that have unpleasantly affected our lives, why not focus on life’s blessings, whether large or small. You too may discover as I have, that you may be “swimming in blessings.”

From the Paul family to all of you, may you have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving.

“What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” — Oscar Wilde

Special thanks goes to Tom Dubovsky, for his inspiration for this article.

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Daniel J. Paul is a retired school administrator. His columns focus on education, old-fashioned family values, relationships, and other topics. To submit comments or find archived columns, go to meaningfuldifferences.net.