What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Thanksgiving?Roasted Turkey? The smell of homemade pumpkin pie? Stuffing? Family? Friends?

These are all great things, but something is missing if this is the only list – the concept of being thankful.

Of all the days in the year, this one day is set aside to be thankful.

In Barbara Ann Kipfer’s book “14,000 Things to Be Happy About,” the writer gathers phrases, words and scenarios that should be appreciated.

Some examples from the book include: pajamas at breakfast, the “snuggle right in” feeling, watching the moon rise and the feel of a rug under bare feet.

It is important you recognize the little things in your life this Thanksgiving. You don’t necessarily have to think of 14,000 things, but you should take a few minutes to make an actual list.

You will have more to be thankful for than you think. It might be a family to share this Thanksgiving with or a little thing such as the whipped cream that goes on top of the pumpkin pie.

If you really think about this, your life will probably start to make sense. It will put things into perspective so you realize just how precious life is.

Being alive is enough in itself to be thankful for. Your health, knowledge and wisdom are things to be thankful for that fulfill your lives daily.

With all the negativity and corruption in the world, it is important to think of positive things that lift you up.

Since there is only one day solely meant for this purpose, you should take it to heart and realize what is important to you.

Start a new tradition and practice this with your friends and family every Thanksgiving. It might be something you start to think about more than just once a year.

Jacquilee Killeen for the editorial board.