Thanksgiving Day 2012 might leave a lot of people wondering what there is to celebrate, what they have to be thankful for. The economy is still in limbo, many people won't even have the house to celebrate in, and a few might not even be able to afford the turkey to eat. It is very easy to be cynical about today and to worry about the future instead. But there are actually three main things to be thankful for, ones that are very easy to miss when there is a crisis.

3. Family and Friends: We always have those, no matter what. They will be there for us in good times and bad. They can never be taken for granted because many people live on their own without anyone close they can connect with. Family and friends add the icing to our cake and make life worth living.

2. Health and Strength. Most people are healthy, even if, like me, they have a debilitating condition. They have their faculties and their stamina. They are not laid up or constantly ill. That physical independence is a joy to be savoured and appreciated.

1. Being Alive! People tend to forget that waking up each morning is not a right or a guarantee, it is a GIFT. That's why we are in the 'present'. Our days are precious, unpredictable and promising, though many people just accept that gift without gratitude until they lose a dear one and can appreciate the fragility of life itself. This ensures that there is always something to be thankful for: just being above ground and breathing.

Those three essential parts of our existence show that, no matter what material possessions we lack, no matter how much money we are missing, or how badly our jobs and living quality are affected, no matter how fearful we feel, we still have the basic foundation to move from those temporary setbacks to even greater joys and achievements.

With health, strength, family, friends and life, we have HOPE and that is the greatest reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day, simply because with HOPE, and belief, all things are possible. In short, things can only get better!

Wishing You a Fantastic Thanksgiving Day from the UK! May your stores be never empty! :o)