Adventures in Gratitude: Turkey-Lent

I believe in gratitude. I believe that we, as both individuals and as a society, should be thankful for all of the wonderful bounty that surrounds us. Food to nourish us. Shelter to protect us. Friends and family to care for us. Because of this, I always appreciate Thanksgiving. But I don't think it is enough. I don't think there should only be one day a year when we decide it is okay to tell everyone what we are thankful for. We should be doing it every day, as often as we can. 

Several years ago, I decided to do my own little thing I call Turkey-Lent. Much how Christians show penance before Easter through Lent, I have decided to show my own penance of gratitude for all of the wonderful things that have surrounded me. Each November, I show my appreciation for all of the things I have by giving up (or greatly reduced my use and/or consumption of) something I love. 

In past years, I have given up fast food to better appreciate a home-cooked meal. I have restricted my TV time, to better appreciate books, newspapers and wonderful company. I have restricted by dessert intake (I tried to give-up sweets cold-turkey but that was just cruel to all of those around me!)  to show my appreciation for the fact that I can afford such luxuries. 

Now, as Turkey-Lent time has arrived sooner than anticipated, I am left without a penance. There are so many things I am thankful for. I just don't know how I could possibly go about showing my appreciation for so many things. So, I thought I would ask for some suggestions. (Seriously, got any ideas?) 

For now, rather than give something up, I am going to be even more appreciative. I am going to use Facebook and twitter to show the world what I am thankful for, in hopes that other people will be inspired to share their own gratefulness. My goal is to use my status update and/or twitter update to share at least one think I am thankful for. I hope to do this every day, from now until Thanksgiving. 

Anyone want to join me?