The Christmas season prompts me to do things I don't ordinarily do. I move slower and with greater focus about why I do what I do. One of the joys of the Christmas is taking the time to count all of my blessings. These are just three that are at the top of my list.

I recognize abundance. We have amazing riches in the United States of America -- such wealth. I visited my sponsor child, Zenebech, in Ethiopia last year. It was my first trip to a 3rd world country. I can attest to the fact that we are all wealthy.

I recognize how important it is to live grateful for every challenge and every opportunity that comes my way in order to see the miracles around me. Life is short. If you don’t think so, ask someone who’s lost a loved one recently.

I recognize the importance of appreciating my family, friends and colleagues for who they are, not what you want them to be.

There is magic in the season of Christmas and it's good to remember to have a time of year to re-focus on living with an attitude of gratitude.