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

The American Holiday of Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26th. Regardless of its origins, or whether you agree with the observation of this day, it is a day set aside to be grateful for what you have.

Of course the shadow of consumerism has loomed over American holidays for quite a while. As I had said in a previous article, people tend to think in negative terms first - what they don’t have.

What amazing assumptions people make! For most of human history people have struggled for basic needs. In America many people have these things and they are still not happy. So what do people value? If they are unhappy, apparently they are valuing things that they perceive are hard to achieve.

Rather than live in illusions of what success is in society, of what happiness is in society, of what you must do to “keep up appearances”, look at all the things you already have and be grateful for them. First, however, we must rethink what we value.

If you have a question about the value of things that really matter…

What is the value of happiness? Ask a child at play.

What is the value of success? Ask someone who needs a job.

What is the value of a person’s health? Ask a person who is a long-term health problem.

What is the value of a person’s life? Ask a person who just lost someone.

What is the value of duty? Ask a soldier or veteran.

What is the value of family? Ask a couple that just had a baby.

What are the value of positive emotions? Ask someone who was mentally abused.

What is the value of our five senses? Ask a person who has a sensory handicap.

What is the value of having a home? Ask a person living in a shelter.

What is the value of having the internet? Ask the faculty of a school or university.

What is the value of having enough food? Ask a person who needs to go to the local food shelf for aid.

What is the value of one’s self? … ” Look within!… The secret is inside you.” - Hui Neng

We should see that the true wealth of living is in the abundance and beauty of Nature, the wealth of relationships provided by friends and family, and the wealth of experiencing all the good things life can offer. This can be a new approach to living.

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