“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You don’t blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the President. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

– Albert Ellis

It’s Thanksgiving Week around here [and, I suppose–everywhere :)], and we’re all getting set for turkey on Thursday.

The holiday has an interesting history, and not just the original story (which I won’t rehash now –you can Google that one). I did want to highlight for you, though, when it actually became an official holiday. It was in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving that should take place every year.

Now … I believe that President Lincoln struck on something very important. You may have noticed the date–the country was mired in civil war, and, of course, the national mood was bleak. But President Lincoln understood that the mindset of a nation (and a family) is to be protected at all costs. Yes, it may have *seemed* a ceremonial gesture, but I can assure you that if a war-torn nation can turn its eyes upward–so can you and your family.

And, therein lies the wealth (and happiness) “secret” of Thanksgiving: When you walk in gratitude, you never feel poor.

I’ve told you that I’ve worked with families with seven, eight figures in their bottom line…but some of them are flat-out miserable. Why? They’ve forgotten gratitude, and they can never get enough. Yes, they may *seem* wealthy, but they sure ain’t rich.

“Rich” is a state-of-mind–and it’s tied to gratitude. It can affect how you see savings, retirement and investment. And, of course, gratitude is the enemy of fear. It’s like an opposite magnet for it–walk in gratitude and fear just melts away.

So, here’s my advice for this week: Whatever financial situation you happen to find yourself in, be thankful. There are hidden blessings in any trial … and hidden fear-traps in any windfall. Find them, savor the blessings, and watch your family thrive.

I’m grateful for your trust, for your attention to my weekly ramblings, for your business, for your referrals…for so many things. I don’t forget that it’s people like you who enable me to do what I do–to breathe life and hope into families, and their financial situations.

And to help them enjoy the fruit of their labors, while carrying the peace-of-mind that the grasping hand of taxation is minimized.

So thank you. For everything.