This Thanksgiving season, I’m giving thanks to many of the same things that I’ve been blessed with in past years–good health, family and friends, purposeful work.

I am also giving thanks to something new, which has been right under my nose, since the day I was born.

I’m grateful for my ancestors.

Without my ancestors, I would not exist. Their courage to leave a familiar homeland and their perseverance to thrive in a new country, made it possible for me and hundreds of other descendants to live good lives.

I inherited, among many things, my mother’s love of beauty and my father’s attention to detail. I didn’t know any of my grandparents. But they passed on to me a knack for writing, an agility to pivot toward opportunity, and a fearlessness to take on big projects. In my lineage, there were kind souls, powerful healers, and wise men and women.  I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me.

Pause and Reflect
Families are far from perfect. And yet, by opening your heart to the gifts of your ancestors, you’ll find something to be thankful for. Take a few moments to reflect on the following questions:

• What’s possible because of my ancestors?
• What good things did they pass on to me?
• How can I amplify the gifts from my ancestors?

I’d love to hear what you come up with. Leave a comment below.