Feeling Thankful

Each year leading up to Thanksgiving, the iVillage message boards buzz with discussions of gratitude as our community takes time to share the things they appreciate in their lives. Most were grateful for their families, their health and homes. Several said they were also thankful for stable jobs and income in the rough economy. Many also cited their iVillage support network of friends as something to celebrate. From the serious to the sublime, here's a sampling of responses from across the iVillage community:

I am so very grateful for my husband. I am going to try harder to make sure he knows how much I love and appreciate him. I am thankful to be an American. We face tough times but I know we can muster our spirit to get us on the right track.  -- thebetty

I am thankful to my girlfriends (here and IRL) and my Mom and MIL for teaching me how to be a parent and then for knowing how to be a mommy. I am so thankful for Sara's smile. I am thankful for the Phillies winning the world series - goodness knows the rest of our teams stink!! -- cl-andibear

I'm thankful for: those ladies here who entertain me when I'm feeling like I'm completely lonely; our house, because it's something that we felt we couldn't reach at our age but it's our present now; the fact that we're financially ok and not in trouble -- cobixns

I'm thankful for my health, for the health of my loved ones, and for the many, many wonderful friends who have come into my life and have blessed me richly with such love.  -- mmshortcake

I am grateful that I didn't ring my child's neck when I saw thong underwear coming out of her backside when she bent over in a pair of jeans that were extremely low rise. And I am also grateful that neither of these items were something she owned and they will be immediately returned to whichever "loose" friend she borrowed them from. -- itsme_2005

I'm thankful for my daughter's teachers, for they have demonstrated their willingness to have shared success with Maddy this year -- goldilocks3m

I am grateful my Mom taught me to cook so well, I am able to feed my family on very little money, and they think it's good! I am grateful that I took a minute to stop and get my favorite ice cream last night. -- momofmegandkate

I'm thankful for my kids' sense of humor, they make me laugh every day when I don't expect it. -- cl-nykatyrose

I'm grateful for my job and the great families I have right now. I couldn't ask for any better. -- srmagoo

I'm grateful that Barack Obama won the US presidency! The volunteer work I did was not in vain! I made a difference. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this historic event. -- hotcarmel12

I am grateful that I am starting to "re-emerge" after my move 18 months ago. I am finding my own way of living in the space I have and it is beginning to look like home. --ladybug987

I am thankful we are still here, still healthy and while not as financially secure as we used to be, not as bad off as others. --thatyank

I'm grateful that I have a home, and that it's not in jeopardy. I'm grateful that DH and I both have jobs we enjoy and they aren't in jeopardy. I'm grateful our kids and our parents are healthy and strong. -- ginger.cookie

A roof over my head and plenty to eat. (I help at our church's lunch program and see many who have neither!) -- nottoo

My dh and I celebrated 26 years of marriage this year *and* are experiencing a renewed love for each other!  -- brenbran

I am thankful for the challenges that I am facing, which are forcing me to awake dorment dreams, goals and objectives, re-think priorities, realize that anything is possible, realize that happiness cannot be not boxed. -- bebeabordo

My creativity, being able to write and imagine. -- suffy_78

I am thankful for French Silk pie. -- beepsmomx2

I am thankful that we are maintaining our jobs and our house in this crazy economy. I am thankful that gas is below $2. -- hlong842001

I am very thankful for my wonderful and caring family, their health. Very thankful that I am married to a good man and good provider and good father. -- ptbwbarb

I'm thankful for days off when I can sleep in and take my time in the morning, just puttering around and enjoying my coffee. -- cl-mom_to_travis

 

This year I'm thankful for my family and friends, my health and prosperity, the hilarity of The Office and 30 Rock, pomegranates, good music and the chance to work with such a great community each and every day. What are you thankful for? Share it with me here and check out the gratitude discussion on our Finding Your Best Life message board.