Good health is a luxury that is often taken for granted. The fact that our mere existence is a miracle escapes us many times as we scramble to meet work deadlines and other obligations. These responsibilities have become our top priority, frequently at the expense of our own health. We believe that these things give worth to our existence, but forget that our beings won't exist if we do not value our health.

Unfortunately, harried decisions make for slow self-destruction. A cigarette to calm the nerves after a botched business deal. A fast food meal for the third time in less than a week because it's quick and cheap. A skipped exercise session to allow for more time to work on a presentation. Before we know it, poor health ensues and now the top priority becomes battling its effects on day-to-day life.

My challenge to you this holiday season is to bring your good health to the forefront by starting to make a list of your current physical abilities for which you are thankful, no matter how insignificant they may seem at first. Small steps will get you closer to your goal--taking no steps at all will not. Are you happy that you have the endurance to rake the leaves in your front yard or the strength to carry full garbage containers to the curb? Can you climb a flight of stairs without becoming breathless? Are you able to push your child's stroller with ease on a family walk?

From your list of capabilities for which you would like to give thanks, start to make another list consisting of New Year's Resolutions that will help you to maintain and expand upon these traits. Add new physical abilities that you would like to have as well. Think about the changes you can make and develop a plan that will allow for these accomplishments so that they can become next Thanksgiving's list of things for which you are thankful.