From The Chief Editor's Desk

Giving thanks. As November rolls around, it's on many Americans' minds. November in the U.S. brings the national Thanksgiving holiday, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month.

But when you think about it, we all -- everyone, everywhere, without regard to their geographical location -- should be giving thanks every day for the important things and people in our lives. Imagine the world we could live in if everyone expressed thanks every day throughout the year. Instead, most of us become so consumed in the tasks of daily living and the pursuit of a "living" that giving thanks takes a distant backseat. Yes, I know it's a very utopian view of the world, but still one that deserves our relentless support and one that should remain one of our primary goals, despite its lofty nature.

It's already a preordained fact of life that each of us is different. Those differences come in as many shapes and forms as there are people who define them. There are many activist groups around the globe who single out those differences and build movements around those differences. But what could the possibilities be if we were to, instead of focusing on the things that make us different, focus instead on the things that we all have in common. Focusing on the differences breeds prejudice, strife and hatred. Focusing on our commonality brings people together for a common purpose and common goals.

I could wax on endlessly with a list of things and people that I am thankful for, but I won't bore you with such a personal list. Those of you who read this column and who know me, you already know what I feel thankful for. There are as many lists of things to be thankful for as there are people making those lists. Regardless of who you are, regardless of what your lot is in life, you have things and people in your life to be thankful for. Instead, I'll keep it short this month, and only ask that you ponder the possibilities that I have raised. Then -- maybe -- we can spread daily thankfulness over our small circle of friends and family. If each of them spreads it in a similar fashion, and each of those people spreads it, and so on, it won't take long to "go viral." It's a huge task, but not one that's impossible. Improbable? Yes, but not impossible.

So, until next month, I bid you peace, happiness, serenity and prosperity. And I'm thankful for the uniqueness each of you bring to our collective group.