To Take, or Not to Take... for Granted

     Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! In our busy lives we're often forced to focus on the troublesome and challenging things that we're faced with.  This is quite a natural process as issues and situations arise everyday that take us out of our comfortable routine and have to be dealt with as a priority.  Our mind works beautifully and efficiently enough to store our blessings and our comfort in the subconscious while allowing danger and trouble to occupy the forefront of our thoughts. It's absolutely important to handle these daily pressures. However, it's even more important to take time to consciously visit our subconscious and recall our daily blessings that we all take for granted. Practicing this on a daily basis is highly beneficial as a way to reduce stress and boost your spirit, but it's not easy, it takes... practice. 

     This past Sunday, Novemeber 24, I was fortunate enough to attend and participate in the Lead the Way Fund's 6th Annual, "A Run Down Hero Highway" also known as "Jimmy's Run."  (Admittedly I was a "walker" as my achilles isn't quite ready to do the full run yet.)  The temps were frigid and the wind was stinging, but over a thousand people braved the weather to give their support. I try to attend this event every year as it supports a wonderful organization, and gives me an OPPORTUNITY to start "giving-Thanks" early.  If you've read my blog before you know that this is a charitable organization that I am passionate about supporting.  Many of my friends and family have trained, run, and raised money for the LTWF. Many of my friends also give their time, energy, and money to make the Lead the Way Fund's mission possible.  I encourage you to take a look at the LTWF website, consider donating, or better yet... join us for a future event!  

     I'm well aware of the outstanding work the LTWF has done in the past, but I'm always amazed at how much they cotinue to grow and expand.  This years event specifically highlighted the selfless service and sacrifices made by three deceased Rangers, Detective Danny Richards, Army SGT Andrew Cote Nicol, and Army SPC Bradley D. Rappuhn.  It also introduced us to a courageous Ranger named Cory Remsburg who continues to recover after sustaining devastating injuries while serving in Afghanistan.  Hearing these stories, and getting to know the families is heart-breaking.  However, understaing each Ranger's selfless actions, and observing each family's strength and devotion is heart warming, humbling, and inspiring.  Phil Taylor of the American Fallen Soldiers Project always caps off the presentation with an emotional unveiling of the beautiful portraits he paints for the families of the fallen Rangers... and there is not a dry eye in the place. The ceremony is a beautiful celebration of service and life, and an amazing opportunity for us all to give THANKS.

     This Thanksgiving, I'm personally thankful for my wonderful family and my friends whom I've discussed at length in past blog posts. I'm also especially thankful for the Rangers, and all the armed forces, who protect our FREEDOM and our ability to live safely and comfortably everyday.  Please take a moment today to consciously visit your subconscious, and recall the things you might take for granted on a daily basis. Think about them, verbalize them, and when today's holiday is over... please remember to try and practice giving thanks everyday.  Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless America!