We are born complete. Being grateful for what you have will help your heart and your wallet. When we stop and reflect on the blessings in our life, we can let go of the urge to acquire more possessions. It is not easy to stay gracious when we are experiencing hardship, but it is important to remember that genuine love or fulfillment never leaves us.

The first love we need to receive lies within us. We cannot run away from ourselves and therefore we should embrace every part of us as we are. Let us embrace our imperfections and know that we are trying our best to live the best way we can. Once your heart is full of love for yourself, you can extend this unconditional love to others. When there is love, there will not be a lack that we need to fill, and we can stop ourselves when impulses drive us to overspend. There are no possessions that will bring us everlasting contentment or fulfillment. Most likely, acquiring possessions will bring us temporary pleasure, which feels like a high that can become addictive. This feeling is fleeting and will be dangerous if sought often. Instead of seeking it, think of how enriched you feel when you talk to your best friend over coffee or embrace your child after a hard day of work. Let us give thanks for those simple gifts and stop seeking superficial contentment.

Let us give thanks for our faith, the sunrises, the sunsets, the blue skies, the rainy days, our family and friends, our health, our struggles, the laughs, and the tears. Let us give thanks for this moment. Life is perfect just the way it is. Remember that the most precious gifts fit inside a hug.

Editor: Melinda Kovacs