While Thanksgiving and it's roots are admittedly problematic, this holiday is one of my favorites. The focus on food, friends, family, and giving thanks, are the reasons it is my favorite. I have so much to be thankful for even in the midst of pain and illness.

Chief among my gratitude: this year I got pneumonia and COVID. Having such serious lung disease (in addition to other complex medical problems), none of my doctors would have predicted that I would still be here after such serious attacks to my system. I'm so thankful to still be here, I'm so appreciative that you're still here watching/listening.

In this season of darkness and holidays, there's so much that could be said. What I will remind you and myself to try is to BE HERE NOW. Let's not be in the past or the future, let's be here in this present moment. We can't address tomorrow's questions today. Still make thoughtful preparations but do your best to remain present.

I hope that the gifts of life are revealing themselves amidst the hard and painful. Wishing you joy, comfort, rest, and a chance to count your blessings this holiday.

I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.