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It’s that time of the year where we Americans gather with family and friends and reflect upon what we’re thankful for.

Given the state of the economy and the fact that we’re still at war, I know this year hasn’t been an easy one for many, and sometimes it can be hard to see the bright side in the face of challenging situations.

Sometimes it takes stepping outside ourselves to realize just how lucky we are, even when things don’t seem to be going all that well.

It’s been a challenging year for me in many respects, but I’m thankful for so much: having such an incredibly supportive husband, family and friends who have stuck by me throughout the past year and a half as I came clean about my struggles; having a wonderful career & a moonlighting (albeit unpaid) blogging career; being in such a good place mentally; good health; and having a roof over my head and food on my table.

There is truly so very much to be thankful for, and believe me when I say it: I don’t take it for granted for even one second.

But as this is a body image blog, I figured today was as good a day as any to share what we’re thankful for with respect to our physical bodies … our bodies which we nourish to sustain us and move to strengthen us.

Our bodies which (regardless of size) will treat us well when we treat them well.

I’ll start, and I hope you’ll share your insight as well.

I’m thankful for:

My auburn locks, which set me apart from most people I know. As a child, I hated my hair; as an adult, I’ve learned to embrace it.

My dimple on my right cheek; it appears whenever I smile, and I smile a lot.

My blue eyes, which allow me to see the intense beauty the world has to offer. They also connect my family, as we all share the same exact eye color.

My broad shoulders, which help me lift weights and give me my stature.

My long neck, which channels the dancer of my former years.

My heart, lungs, and other essential internal organs that keep me alive and healthy.

My waist, which gives me the hour-glass shape I loathed as a teen, but embrace today.

My full hips, which are softer now than they were four years ago, but are feminine all the same.

My thighs, which are thick and strong and don’t quit on me, no matter how much stress I put on them.

My muscled calves, which don’t fit into all the tall boots I’d like, but are no doubt powerful.

And my feet, which carry me miles and miles …

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Those are some things I’m thankful for with respect to my physical body.

This Thanksgiving, in addition to being grateful for all the tangible things I feel so blessed to have, I’d also like to express my gratitude for being able to get the help I needed so I could, today, write this post about truly loving my body as it is in the here and now.

There’s no shame in reaching out for help, and sometimes we need that little nudge before we can see all treasures life truly has to offer.

It’s certainly something I’m thankful for this holiday season.

How about you? What are you thankful for with respect to your body?