Do you spend time thinking about things you are grateful for? If so, doesn’t it make your mood lighter and sometimes bring a smile to your face?

November is National Gratitude Month and in these times of stress and uncertainty about life, it is perhaps time to remember the good things in your life rather than dwell on your problems.

You can be thankful for your family, your health, your job, what your community offers and much more.

To help you remember what you are grateful for, take the time to write them down somewhere so when you are perhaps “down in the dumps,” those grateful items will hopefully prompt some pep into your day.

Another way of showing your gratefulness is to share your happiness with others, telling others what you are grateful for, or by doing things for your friends, family or community – helping others.

We are sure the local volunteers who helped this week with food insecurity (due to the shutdown of the federal government), who helped decorate the region for Boothbay Lights, and those who delighted youngsters by handing out candy to those in the Halloween parades in Boothbay Harbor and Wiscasset feel a bit better about themselves today.

Thanksgiving is three weeks away but there is no time like the present to begin thinking positively, about your blessings and for lifting your mood. While you are at it, don't forget to thank a veteran for his or her service before or on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Have a great Grateful Month!