Thanksgiving plops its big butt down on the sofa in just one day, bringing with it friends, family and food in a celebration of feasting. Belts will be loosened, pants unbuttoned and belches will fly as sure as Grandma makes little green apples into pie. Great pie at that.

Maybe too great.

But before you dig in, chow down or consume mass quantities — ala Beldar Conehead — take a good look at all you’ve got and give thanks. No matter what your situation, how bad your day, week or year has been, whether you’re happily married or losing half of everything in a divorce, sick or well, young or old, alone or surrounded by those you love, give thanks.

It’s something we all forget to do as often as we should.

Fortunately, the fourth Thursday of November is a fine reminder, and should serve as a day when we should all show our appreciation for what we have. And let’s face it, whether you’re a prince or a pauper there’s something out there that you are grateful for. Hopefully it’s a number of things.

Whatever your situation, take a little time on Turkey Day and think about your life. Look not only at the obvious things you find meaning and value in — family, friends, possibly even some possessions — but rather those that are less obvious but which you simply cannot imagine living without.

They can be as trivial as a happy memory long past or a beautiful sunset you saw just a few days ago.

The point is, they exist and are as individual as the people who find them worthwhile. Nov. 22, we sincerely hope one and all will be able to see past the problems of their lives and our world and find the strength to say just one word: Thanks.