when there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire

when i was younger, each thanksgiving my grandma would give every member of the family a little black day planner.  her goal was to have us come back the following year having written down 365 things we were grateful for.  i would go home, toss the book aside and 365 days later i would open the book up and scribble a few things down here and there, so that when i had to read a few pages to her, she would be convinced i had thought her idea a brilliant one.  she wasn't fooled.  

i've been told that showing gratitude is a sign of maturity.  which makes me think that i must not have been too mature back then.  

i'm not claiming myself to be the epitome of wise, responsible or grown-up, but i am definitely a different person than the girl who tossed aside the opportunity to realize her many blessings.

i love the thanksgiving holiday and the time i have been given to reflect on the beauty that surrounds me.

i spent the day surfing, eating, and in good company.  it was simple, there was no hype.

i'm grateful for a strong body, a caring family, a loving god, a free country, a beautiful home, a religion that brings peace, talented friends, and so much more. 

“the grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.  pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. how much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man.” 

joseph f. smith