Thanksgiving is easily my favoritest holiday of them all. I’ve always appreciated its underlying message and I’ve felt that it really rings true every year.

It’s a day dedicated to giving thanks to the harvest of the years’ crops. So, in its purest form, it’s not a day dedicated to overabundance, but it’s really a day about having enough. Enough to have gotten through a year, enough to get through the upcoming winter, enough to survive and live another day, another season, and another year.

In 1619, the Virginia colony was thankful for making it through a terrible ocean voyage and a devastating plague. In 1621, in Plymouth, they gave thanks to having enough food and supplies to last them through the brutal New England winters.

George Washington proclaimed a day to give “sincere and humble thanks” for protection, for mercies, and for “tranquility, union, and plenty.” It’s important to note that the word “plenty” meant something quite different than it does today. Prior to the mid-1800s, Plenty didn’t mean an overabundance, but enough to be complete.

Thanksgiving is about having enough. It’s about being as complete as possible.

And in 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving, it wasn’t about plenty or about a marvel at our power or abilities.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people.

Thanksgiving is about going through difficult times, recognizing that we’re not – ever – alone and that we can’t do it all by ourselves. We’re connected, we have families, friends, loved ones, and we’re never ever truly alone – not really. No matter how dark times seem, we’re still connected by the things that are old and true: love, humility, family, mercy, and forgiveness. Truly, it is about the Story of Us.

I am thankful to you, lovely reader, for being here and for reminding me that I’m not alone. Your comments, your smiles, and your support has been amazing.

I’m thankful for having gotten to meet some of you, and I’m thankful that friendships have developed because of this. I can call you up, tweet you, or meet up with you. For those who I have known prior, we may not be where we once were, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped trying or no longer care. My life is fuller and richer as a result of you, all of you.

I’m thankful for my incredibly supportive parents who unconditionally believe – all evidence to the contrary notwithstanding – that I’m capable of any success I dream for. And for implanting that unconditional belief in my own self. And for my three siblings who always remind me of what home is, what potential is all about, and that they’ll love me regardless of what I do or how bad I feel about myself. They always make me push to be a better brother, a better person, and a better friend.

And while I’m not exactly where I envisioned myself one, five, or even 10 years ago, or even not the person I envisioned myself becoming…I am My Self. And you’ve helped me get there.

And for that, humbly, graciously, and sincerely, I give thanks.