Read This: Gratitude...improves your health and your quality of life!

It’s November - the perfect time to feel and express gratitude. Sometimes we are so busy grumbling about what didn’t go our way that we forget to be grateful for small things, nice weather, a smile or a cup of coffee.

Life is not perfect. Where did we get the idea that it was supposed to be perfect? The shiny magazines and media telling us to do more, be more, buy more? Have you noticed that even those who appear to "have it all" don’t have perfect lives? Life is messy. Be grateful for life’s imperfections. It makes it more interesting.

I am saddened that our country is so divided. Yet, I am grateful that we live in a democracy and have the freedom to choose.

I am overwhelmed by 24/365 technology. Yet, I am grateful to text with my grandkids and send a birthday gift certificate with the touch of a button.

I sad for the loss of dear friends, yet, grateful for the brilliant medical advancements made in the last few decades, which have saved countless lives.

I am fearful for our children and grandchildren in a world where casual drug use is normalized. Yet I am grateful and inspired by the youth who participate in our programs and dedicate themselves to sharing healthy messages with their peers and families. Remember, 90% of people don’t use drugs.

I am concerned that today’s parents and kids have too much on their plates and don’t have time to relax together. Yet, I am grateful for the flexibility and time savings which video streaming (Hulu, Amazon, Roku) has created.

I am exhausted from Informed Families moving our offices from 8,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Yet, grateful for a dedicated staff and Board of Trustees whose support I always know I can count on. I’m grateful to Eugene Lindsey, Esq. for agreeing to be our new Board Chairman and to Linda Neider, PhD., Paul Sugrue, PhD., Pam Giganti and Alfred Bunge for agreeing to co-chair our 2017 Joe’s event.

Most of all, I am grateful for you: parents, grandparents, colleagues, friends, donors and partners. Without you, the vital messages we are sending to help kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free across Florida would not be possible.

Happy Thanksgiving.
Peggy