Giving thanks and feeling grateful

DEAR READERS >> As we prepare our tables and tummies for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving celebration, I find myself reflecting on the countless things I am grateful for. From good health to loving friends and family to our wonderful community of readers and letter writers, there are so many things, big and small, to appreciate.

Here are some of my favorite quotes about gratitude.

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” — G.K. Chesterton

“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” — Tecumseh

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” — Germany Kent

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” — Henry Ward Beecher

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” — Brene Brown

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” — Amy Collette

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” — Charles Dickens

“I’m still thanking all the stars, one by one.” — Marissa Meyer

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” — Margaret Cousins

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” — Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” — A.A. Milne

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” — Meister Eckhart

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero

“When one has a grateful heart, life is so beautiful.” — Roy T. Bennett

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy