Wikipedia describes Thanksgiving as an annual Canadian holiday, which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

I don’t know much about harvests but I do know the importance of being grateful.

Thanksgiving has become synonymous with turkey dinner and while the idea of the big dinner with the gathering of family and friends is wonderful, it seems like there is something missing. There is much more potential in this day than just sharing a meal.

I know that I have a lot to be grateful for in my life but what I am ashamed to say is how little acknowledgement I generally offer to those people I am grateful for.

I am grateful for my family and their health and good fortune but I need to tell them more often how much they mean to me. They are the foundation of everything I am. I am so lucky to have my wife and two daughters in my life.

I am grateful for my health and the things it allows me to do. I don’t take it for granted but I can still improve the care and respect I give my body through rest, nutrition and exercise. It’s the only one I’ve got.

I am grateful for the friends I have and how they have helped shape me. I need to be a better friend and to make more effort at keeping in touch with those important people in my life. This is not something to be lazy about, I’ve learned that you don’t actually meet that many kindred spirits as you go through life and when you find one you should do your absolute best to stay connected to them.

I’m grateful for my Crossfit community. This amazing group of people has become my giant extended family. The love and support they give me is incredible. I was so lucky when my stars aligned and brought me to Crossfit North Vancouver, one of the best things that ever happened to me.

I am grateful for so many wonderful people in my life and I need to let them know how important they are to me. Every day offers me a chance to be better.