When we think of Thanksgiving, immediately images of families feasting fill our heads. Although many will loosen their belts to accommodate ample servings, the holiday is special because of the families and friends coming together to contribute to this feast in a "potluck" fashion. It is a time of community and celebration.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season in a wonderful way. Before our children begin to make their Christmas lists of wants from Santa, they have an opportunity to list what they are already thankful for. As parents, we are also in this inspiring position. As the stress of the financial strain of the holiday season begins to set-in, we may evaluate all that is good in our lives, and maybe some of the blessings that we take for granted on a daily basis.

Although Thanksgiving inspires this mood, giving thanks, or showing gratitude should be focused upon more than just one time of year. Psychological research shows that those that express gratitude tend to be happier, more optimistic and more successful in achieving goals (Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness).

As a parents, this information is profound, because we may help foster happiness, optimism and achievement in our children by assisting them in practicing gratitude on a regular basis. Thanksgiving may mark the beginning of this practice, and hopefully, it may become a regular exercise in which your family may participate together.

Personally, after becoming aware of this research, I decided to take time once or twice or week to document something that I am grateful for. I realized that a few of the difficult issues I was dealing with seemed to have less of a negative impact, and even my perspective on these situations changed.

I am grateful for so many things in my life including:

• Knowing and loving God.
• My loving family--my mother and father, sister Tres and brother Stephen, my fiancé Rock, and my wonderful daughter, BreAzia.
• My health--I have degenerative arthritis in my knees, but by the grace of God, I am still playing professional basketball at a high level.
• Good friends--those that I grew up with that have stayed the course, although I am always gone playing basketball worldwide, teammates and former teammates that I have gained a special bond with, and online friends that I have come to know through Twitter, Facebook and SPSN.
• A sense of purpose--I am a passionate person, and I appreciate being able to work in fields that I am extremely passionate about like playing basketball and winning championships and developing and running Super Parenting LLC.

I would love to hear some of the things that you are thankful for in the comments. Remember research shows you'll be happier for it. LOL

Take care, and Happy Thanksgiving!