Thankfulness — let’s make that an important part of this holiday season, with Thanksgiving only a few days away.

I am super-thankful I am able to go visit my family in my home country, the Netherlands, this week.

It will be very different with my mom not there anymore. I expect many tears to be shed, but being able to spend time with my family and celebrate my dad’s 82nd birthday will soften the loss of my mom.

Seeing the cup half full is not easy, especially when negativity and sadness dominate the news and possibly your life. Be thankful for what we have, take responsibility for our actions, listen before reacting, be kind to one another and respect each other.

When we look at all the wonderful things that happen in our lives, it should put a smile on your face.

I have had my own trials and tribulations as everyone has, but my way of dealing with them is to find someone in a worse situation than me. Somewhere, someone is always worse off than you.

Surround yourself with positive news and people. You don’t have to  ignore all the bad things that are going on. Jjust don’t forget that we have some amazing, beautiful things happening as well.

Believe you can make the positive changes. When you share positive vibes, people are drawn to you.

Light the candle within yourself and share that light with your family, friends and community. The world will be a better place because of it.

I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and a start of a wonderful holiday season.

Ester H. Marsh is health and fitness director of J.F. Hurley Family YMCA.