Life isn't always beautiful...

...but it's a beautiful ride.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. As I reflect on the last year, I think about all of the things I am thankful for. It's been a challenging year, but I have recently realized that I am stronger than I thought.

Last weekend, I created a book called "Life Lessons from a Dog." It's a book with pictures of my dog Rufus and seven lessons he has taught me. I must say, dogs are very wise. We should pause and listen more often.

Lesson #1 - Smile often and love much.
Lesson #2 - Always enjoy the outdoors.
Lesson #3 - Love unconditionally.
Lesson #4 - Sometimes life is scary - don't ever give up.
Lesson #5 - Appreciate the little things.
Lesson #6 - Always be grateful, no matter where you are.
Lesson #7 - Embrace every moment like it's your last.

Lesson #4 speaks loudly to me. Life is scary at times - whether you have lost someone, going through a divorce, just learned a family member is ill, lost your job or hit rock bottom. God never promised that life would be easy. However, He did promise that He will never give you more than you can handle.

Sometimes in life you need to be vulnerable and ask for help. As an independent person, that's really hard for me to do. And the thing I'm most grateful for is that my friends and family are always willing to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a story to make me laugh. I'm thankful for each and everyone one of them every day, but this year I fully understand the meaning of being grateful.

As the Gary Allen song goes, "Life isn't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride." Those words can never be more true.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and spend it in the company of loving family and friends.