Our View: Giving thanks

Thanksgiving Day is one of the great American holidays, because it is the time when everyone of different backgrounds, political persuasions and faiths can focus on being thankful for what we have. Because what we have is a truly stunning amount.

Thanksgiving directs us to look beyond ourselves, at the blessings in our life — regardless of where you may believe they come from — and to express thanks for them. For the Christian and those of other faiths, that means being thankful to the creator. For all others, it is the healthiest of exercises: to give thanks.

Expressing thankfulness can trump the sourest of moods. And we live in a community where it only takes a pair of eyes to see a plethora of things for which to be thankful.

So this year, we are sharing a list of a few of the things that we are thankful for right here in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The following list is compiled from dozens of employees at the Observer Group, members of our community.

We expect our readers would second most of these.

I am thankful for the Florida sunshine, because nothing adjusts an attitude like a beautiful day.

I am thankful for the outspoken nature of our residents. It allows us to have a community dialogue — I’m grateful we are not an apathetic bunch.

I am thankful for the number of great ice cream shops in town.

I am thankful for ranch dressing at Gecko’s and parking that’s easy to find at Siesta Key on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m., which we know about, thanks to a son who is up with the sun.

I am thankful for the numerous non-profit organizations that provide for so many members of our community on a daily basis!

I am truly thankful for my wonderful husband, my mom, dad, and my sister who have always been a great support. And my awesome friends who add a little craziness and a lot of comfort to my life.

I am thankful for good health.

I am thankful for commutes that are rarely longer than 20 minutes, even in Season.

I am thankful for the health and happiness of my family, and for my wife of 55 years.

I am most thankful for my family. Everything I’ve earned is because of them. I am also very thankful for my job and for my friends across the country.

I am so grateful to be back in Sarasota after a 13-year absence. I love the culture, the beauty and the easy pace of this community. It is wonderful to be back home.

I am thankful for Selby Gardens.

I am thankful for the view from my new condo, the health of my family and myself and my work that I can pay my bills.

I am thankful that I get to meet such interesting, talented and kind people almost every day and be part of this community.

I am thankful for living in Sarasota, where my children have the opportunity to be involved in, and appreciate, outdoor activities in the water, the arts, sports and community.

I am thankful for how the Ringling Bridge looks at night, with the lights reflecting off the bay.

I am thankful for getting to have fresh air and my windows open 75% of the year.

I am thankful to be able to say that some of my closest friends are my co-workers.

I am thankful for a community that is invested in helping others.

I am thankful to be able to work with a local family-owned company that is committed to community!

I am thankful for the diversity in culture, race and religion of our residents.

I am thankful for all the great events our region has to offer — and the great weather that helps us enjoy them!

I am thankful for the importance our community places on arts and culture, which enriches our cities.

I am thankful for the invention of Frontline to keep fleas off my dog.

I am thankful for the surplus of accomplished, fascinating retirees in our area, who bring a wealth of experience and generosity to our community.

I am thankful for not having any hurricanes the past few years (knock on wood!).

I am thankful for the sugary sand on Siesta that makes our No. 1 beach ranking much deserved.

I am thankful for how many days of sunshine we get each year!

I am thankful for citrus trees and the awesome fresh juice I get each winter right from my backyard.

I am most thankful for having a son that still loves to hang out with his mommy, a family that loves and supports me and a life that is healthy and very fulfilling.

I am most thankful this Thanksgiving for the people who bless my life.

I am thankful for the really big, loud thunderstorms that are scary and secretly fun at the same time.

I am thankful for my two cats and little black dog that bring me so much joy.

I am thankful for the pleasure of working a great job with brilliant co-workers.

I am thankful for the sense of having several “families” that I can depend on, and who depend on me. This year I have much to be thankful for!

I have so many things to be grateful for, but my biggest blessing is being a mother to my son.

I am thankful for friends and neighbors who lovingly prepared meals for my family while we were caring for a dying loved one.

I am thankful for the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market and the Ringling Bridge that has made Sarasota feel alive with people walking, running, biking every day of the week.

I am thankful to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for keeping our boating waters safe.

I am thankful for Sunday polo matches in season in Lakewood Ranch.

I am thankful for having an outstanding variety of unique, independently owned restaurants.

I am thankful for the breathtaking drive along the bayfront.

I am thankful for stone crab season.

I am thankful for Honor Animal Rescue and its wonderful volunteers, who provide loving care to dogs and cats until they are adopted into their forever homes.

I am thankful for all the interesting people I get to meet and photograph.

I am thankful for family and friends and an area where a 10-minute commute is considered way too long.