In the days when most people used to farm, the end of the harvest called for a celebration. One can imagine families finally feeling a sense of certainty—knowing how much food they produced, and the relief that it would be enough to survive the winter—and wanting to express gratitude for making it another year around the sun. Their hard work had paid off.

Whatever you want to call this celebration—Thanksgiving or otherwise—it’s an occasion that’s useful because we are all, collectively, encouraged to be grateful. 

It’s easy to take things for granted; to go through the motions of gratitude. It’s entirely another to take a moment, look around you, and realize your good fortune. Even though you might take it for granted, there’s no good reason you’re entitled to what you have. 

Once you shift your focus, you might be surprised at how lucky you feel. If you feel like giving back, this is as good a time as any to do that.