It’s nice that we stop once a year and reflect on the blessings we have in this life. From the turkey (or Taiwanese Hot Pot, in my case), football games (or Twitter, in my case), family gathering, Black Friday sales and the days off of work, what’s not to love about Thanksgiving?

But aside from that day and maybe a few days leading up to it, do we really appreciate the things we have? Honestly, it seems I spend more of my days complaining about what I don’t have than reflecting on the things I take for granted on a daily basis.

I’m not trying to be on my soapbox today, but I sometimes (okay, a lot of times) need a reminder of the freedoms, health, happiness, life that I enjoy and not just on one cold Thursday in November right before you chow down on that turkey leg.

These last few months, I’ve been re-evaluating priorities and looking at my life. I’m simplifying…slowly, one thing at a time. Learning to appreciate life along the way instead of letting it race by at a breakneck speed.

A book that has helped me has been The Power of Less by Leo Babauta and his blog, Zen Habits. He reminds me to “smile, breathe and go slowly.”

So, Monday morning, when you are back at work, after the turkey coma and you’re ready to moan and groan about ____________(fill in the blank), remember to smile, breathe, go slowly and appreciate life. The same goes for me, too.

Happy Thanksgiving.