A taste of gratitude...It's not always about food.

I often forget how important it is to stop and say “thank you.” In today's world of who's who and who's not, this is mine and that is yours, we often forget that it really is us. We really are in this thing together, left right, north, south, east, west...So on and so forth.

 Tonight I had the chance to chat with a friend of mine with whom I grew up and served in the United States Army. He reminded me of the days when I was just a high school kid pumped up and passionate about what we were doing. And I was!!!! I have to relate those experiences to the ones I have now.

Each and every one of us has a gift, a talent, something at which we are extremely good. I cook. Or, well, I "Chef" [grin]. But to what extent do we follow our passion? It seems today we do not follow it nearly as far as we should. Can you remember when you used to sing out loud because you were great at it? You still are!!! Remember when you heard that the math test was impossible, but you saw the patterns and solve the problems? You still can!!! Remember when your friends asked for your advice because you always have a sound opinion? You still do!!! Get out there and be a part of today! Don't let yesterday stop you from being the best you be can today! I know, easier said than done, but you are who you are! We all have our gifts and if we do not share them with others, it is my experience that I feel empty. When I share my gift with others, I overflow with joy! A friend once told me "If you want self esteem, do esteem -able things!" And that's what I try to do today.

Every day we act selflessly, and we encourage others to the same. We can create, teach, learn, dance, cook, run, bank, golf, counsel, and we can INSPIRE! So I challenge you today, inspire someone, even if it’s yourself, but get out there and be passionate about something. Believe in yourself and treat others as you would like to be treated. This is your chance to shine. Thank you all for all of your hard work and determination! Thank you to my family and friends who stood by me through thick, really ,really thick and even through the thinnest. Thank you.