Thanksgiving is almost here. Sometimes, it might seem difficult to be thankful.

Life doesn’t always include good circumstances. Some are homeless. Some are sick, jobless. Others are incarcerated. Sometimes, our troubles are our own fault; other times, it’s not.

Regardless, most can find plenty of reasons during the holiday season to be appreciative of our lives, our friends, families and communities.

We could reflect on where we live, the freedoms we enjoy in this democracy. We can speak our minds, criticize our leaders – all without threat of jail time or even execution. Not everyone on Earth can boast of these rights.

We could focus on how blessed we might be by our families and friends – blessings of employment and caring neighbors, blessings of hope for the future.

The holidays also give us pause about those who are less fortunate in life. There will be free meals distributed, new relationships forged and shared warmth during what could be for those struggling people an otherwise dark season.

We should be encouraged, perhaps most of all, that we live in a community that cares about its residents. The city and county continue to grow and our Kentucky home is changing. There’s hope in that as well.

Look around this holiday season. Check your Daily News, Facebook and other social media sites and, if you can weed through the junk, you’ll see heartwarming stories about people who are celebrating and giving thanks. You’ll also see pain for some who might be facing a holiday without a recently lost loved one.

This is the time of year when those stories spark shared comfort. That is a blessing.

Blessings are all around us. We hope during this time we all look toward what we can and should be thankful for and the joy we can bring others through our support and encouragement.

Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to it being your best ever.