After what seems like tons of travel over the last few weeks, I finally have the chance to sit down, gather my thoughts and re-focus on what is important to me. Seems fated that the break in my travel and insanity comes just in time for Thanksgiving, a time of being grateful for all that is a part of our lives.

A lot has happened in this week of being at home. I've re-evaluated some business opportunities and relationships to see if they still fit in my life. Some do, some don't, and some new ones have come across the horizon.

I've spent time with most of my closest friends and family and been reminded about how important it is to cherish simple times, moments of laughter and affection of people and pets that you love. I'm also reminded that we must make time for those we care about even when it seems inconvenient or something that could be put off for a later time. That day might not come - give your time and love now.

I've also said goodbye to a long-time companion, my 13 year old Benji-lookalike dog, Brownie, a fiercely loyal yet stubborn girl who was often jealous of the attention paid to my other dogs and even other people in the room.

Brownie was a great traveler, a sneaky escape artist and a very recent snuggler (it took her 12 years to want to sit in my lap). She loved being in charge of the other dogs and body-surfing in the ocean during our many trips to the beach. She also liked "stealing" whatever toy my Weimereiner, Pogo, happened to be enjoying at any given time only to give it back a few minutes later so she could begin her pursuit of it anew.

The house just doesn't feel the same without her - the other (much larger) dogs don't seem to know quite who is in charge now that their leader has moved on to a bigger patch of wooded wonderland. It has been a sad couple of days to say the least.

But even with the unexpected loss of my little buddy, I am still grateful for everything in my life. Losing her has opened my eyes to all the possibilities and blessings that remain and continue to flow into my life. Perhaps the gift in her passing was this wake-up call. I can almost imagine her saying (if dogs could talk anyway):

 "Hey Mom. Don't be sad. Go outside and play today. Roll in the grass and share a run with your buddies. Enjoy the sunshine and don't be afraid to ask for an extra biscuit if you want one. Sleep when you're tired, eat when you're hungry, and get excited about little things like the wind in your hair or a new bone. Enjoy every moment by living fearlessly and in the now.

When you need your back scratched or just want to have your belly rubbed, go sit beside someone who likes you. Chase away others tears by making them laugh or by giving them lots of kisses.  And remember to show love for your favorite people whenever you have the chance by wagging your tail and dropping your favorite toy at their feet."

Once again, this time with my angel Brownie's help,  I am doing my best to see the good in a bad situation. I encourage you to make the decision to see EVERYTHING as ‘good’ in some way. Once you do, there will be no room for ‘bad’ in your life. Then every day can be a true Thanksgiving.

If you're interested in learning more about how I've used this perspective at other times in my life, check out ThankGodI.com for details on the release of Book 3 in the series. THe book and my chapter (Thank God I Went Bankrupt) is due out in December.