So I’m going to need you to stick with me when I say that I have Gratitude Gremlins. The definition of a gremlin defines it as “An invisible being, that causes problems or difficulties”. And let me tell you- gratitude definitely causes me difficulties.

It’s not the concept of gratitude that I struggle with. I’ve lived through 29 Thanksgivings, with their required recitation of things we’re thankful for. I’m pretty sure for at least 25 of those, I’ve been grateful for my cats. Which says a lot about who I am as a person.

My problem is gratitude within the scope of mental health. Starting off my day reciting 3 things I’m grateful for seems forced. I think gratitude is much more authentic when it comes spontaneously. In fact, I would go as far as to say that pushing yourself to rack your brain for something you’re thankful for kind of defeats the purpose of the exercise.

I prefer to express my gratitudes as they come. “I love your hair!”, “This pie is delicious!”, “What would I do without you?”, “You’re hilarious, I love it!”. “I love you”. When I think something positive about someone, I tell them. It’s good for both of our souls.

That being said, I am thankful for many things, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.

• The Cats- they keep me warm, give me someone to talk to, and they make me laugh.
• Jess- my wife, my humor twin, my soulmate, my interpreter to the world.
• My team- the doctors and therapists that keep me going.
• My recovery- my life is so much fuller when it’s not filled with an eating disorder.
• Coffee- for reasons I should not have to explain.
• My Dungeons and Dragons group- they provide socialization and epic adventures.
• The kids I volunteer with- they’re funny and unpredictable, they keep me moving!
• My City- for giving me opportunities to get out and do stuff.

Honorable mention includes the Gluten Free cinnamon buns we made, they were amazing!

I hope all the Americans here have a happy Thanksgiving, and to everyone else, Happy Thursday! As always, I’d love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions, favorite foods, and what you’re thankful for!