SOME of us look for the big tickets to appreciate life. Some look for the major events to say thanks. Others are fond of the dramatic while some go for the simple pleasures in life. Whatever your choice may be, here's a list that you can add to to say THANK YOU for the year that was. It is the attitude of gratitude that will make this world a better place to live in! Let's us be thankful for the following:

Waking up in the morning to pray and thank God for a new day to start over;

Your child’s laughter;

A refreshing warm shower;

A compliment from others;

Handwritten letters (because they’re rare and sweet);

Your hard-working spouse;

Time to be alone (your me-time);

Doggy kisses and doggy "kalat;"

A phone call from an old friend;

Clothes to keep you warm on a chilly day;

Getting the dishes done;

A text from your best friend;

Sleeping babies (they’re adorable and quiet — it’s the best of both worlds);

Getting the last slice of pizza;

The rare opportunity to read a good book;

Eating ice cream or halo-halo;

Finally getting a cab after the longest queue;

A warm cup of coffee;

The beautiful rhythm of the falling the rain;

A big hug from your bunso or apo;

Sunlight shining through your window;

Good hair days;

Lazy weekend mornings;

A new manicure or pedicure;

A hard massage;

A combo meal from your fave fast food chain after a long day at work;

A productive day at work;

A smile or greeting from your office mate;

Funny home videos;

Winning a game or your team getting the win.

Try to find at least one thing each day to be grateful for, no matter how small. Your entire perspective could change by focusing on even one positive thing. And even though it won’t make the bad experiences go away, it can give you the strength to push forward.

Thank you 2018!

2019 . . . bring 'em on!

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ~ William Arthur Ward

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." ~ Melody Beattie

"When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself." ~ Tecumseh