I love the spirit of Thanksgiving. It seems that many people are more thankful during this holiday than any other. So what is the definition for thankful? Google says: Pleased and relieved. So I googled further and what does it actually mean? Google says, being conscious of benefits received.

Unfortunately, too many times, people say they are thankful, but don’t act that they are thankful. In the beginning of this year, I did a column on gratitude, and that you truly can change your brain’s chemistry when you work on changing the way you react and think about challenges each day. It’s easy to go down that road of frustration, disappointment and anger in certain situations. One that used to frustrate me is when driving down N.C. Highway 150 into town, and a car is going 40 mph in a 50-mph zone, holding up a string of cars, and then, when it goes to four lanes (and 45 mph) go to 55-60 mph. To me, that’s pure selfishness. I have taught myself not to get frustrated, or let this one person, set the mood for my start of the day.

Some things that helped me start my day are to write down or remember things you are thankful for, and not just around Thanksgiving. Working at the YMCA, we deal with all kinds of people and all kinds of personalities each day. I love it! Yes, it can be challenging at times. Life is challenging, period. As soon you accept this, you can truly start working on making your day better by being thankful and kind to the people around you.

Find your triggers, what sets you off? Was it that car that purposely slows everyone down? Is it that person who didn’t hold the door open for you? Is it the way when someone speaks disrespectfully to you? And then I haven’t even touched the situations which arises throughout your life. Your health, financial circumstances or spiritual status, to name a few. How about political? So many happenings in everyone’s life that can create unthankfulness.

What lifts my spirit and boosts my thankfulness is when I see people around me who truly have a reason to complain about life, and they don’t. They are kind, thankful and uplifting to be around. And we all have, and know the people who will complain and criticize everything around them. I try to shower them with sweetness and kindness, and yes, some seem like a lost cause, but at least it makes me feel better. So, my challenge to you is to truly be thankful way past Thanksgiving.

The following is from Craig’s quotes, and I have seen this around Facebook too. Not sure if all the numbers are completely accurate, but it’s the realization how well we have it when you look at many other parts of the world: If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet and some spare change you are among the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the agony of imprisonment or torture or the horrible pangs of hunger, you are luckier the 500 million people alive and suffering. The ability to read this column puts you ahead of the 3 billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

It’s putting it all in perspective right? One thing I know for sure, kindness and thankfulness goes a very long way. I am truly wishing everyone a fabulous holiday season with lots of love, kindness, thankfulness and gratitude. May it last the rest of your lifetime.

Ester H. Marsh is director of healthy living at the J.F. Hurley YMCA.