Wow. Can you believe it's already that time of year again? Thanksgiving is upon us, and before you know it will be Christmas, and then it'll be 2017! Crazy!

Let's take this opportunity to list 5 things you should be thankful for this Thanksgiving. These will be listed in order of most importance.

1. Yourself

Unfortunately, too many people try too hard to please others, and they end up getting away from who they really are. This year it is time to change. Take a few moments to sit back and thank of all the fun times you have had so far this year. Think of all the good you have done that only you know about. It is time to give yourself some credit. Maybe even go splurge on something you like on Black Friday. I mean, it only happens once a year, right? ;)

2. Family

I think it's safe to say we all have a love-hate relationship with most everyone in our family. However, nothing is worse than a full blown fight during Thanksgiving. Whether it be about politics, religion, or anything else, no one wants it. When you sit down at the table on Thanksgiving, set the tone for the day and offer a compliment to everyone at that table. It will light up everyone's faces and set the mood for a happy and enjoyable meal. One of my mottos is to be a "fight preventer, not a firefighter," so try and start the day off right and not have to break up any untimely arguments. Family is truly all we have in this world, so let's make the most of this day and show we really do appreciate everyone's sacrifice in the family. I lost my mom three Thanksgivings ago, so this is very important to me.

3. Friends

Ah yes, some of the best people in your life and some of the people who keep your head above water. Our friends are our backbone; they truly can make or break us at any time. Everyone has that one "best friend" who means the absolute world to them. So, on Thanksgiving, shoot your friends a text message saying how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. There is nothing better than having some of your friends showing you some love! So show love back to them and maybe bring your BFF on your splurge fest on Black Friday!

4. Sports

Let's be honest here. Who in their right mind doesn't love a little competition within their favorite sport? Thanksgiving is great for this because you get to watch some great football after stuffing yourself with some fantastic food. Sports unite people and bring people together like nothing else. I know how thankful I am to of watched the Olympics and how united America was, even though the country remains quite divided from Election Day. But, I digress.

5. Cold Weather

I LOVE this time year because it is nice and brisk outside. Walking outside and feeling a nice cool breeze is so much better than talking outside and feeling like you're in a sauna. I love snow, so it excites me that time of year is near. So many good things happen when the weather turns cold, so it really is an exciting time. Even if you're not a cold weather fan, give thanks for the weather.

Thanksgiving week is one of the best weeks of the year. We get to surround ourselves with some tremendous people and make some really great memories! I truly hope each and everyone of you have the best Thanksgiving yet! It has been a helluva year, so let's try to make some people smile. Happy Thanksgiving, folks! See you in my next article. God Bless.