American Thanksgiving is a time to eat turkey, to fellowship with family and friends, but more importantly to be mindful of our blessings and be thankful for what we have been given.

While many around the world are in turmoil, hurting, or even lack the basic needs of survival, I really have much much more than I could ask for.

Here are 5 things I’m extremely grateful for this Thanksgiving, keeping in mind those that are much less fortunate.

1. An Appetite and an Abundance of Food

I’ve been given an appetite and a love for food from around the world. I’ve never gone hungry.

2. A Dry Good-Condition Apartment

At the beginning of November 2011 (after returning from Sri Lanka) I moved into a new apartment in Bangkok. I’m still on a similar cost of living budget, but even when there are floods around town my apartment and area remain dry.

3. An Incredible Family and Friends

I grew up in an amazing family with loving parents and an incredible sister – it was a privilege that sadly not everyone has. I have a family that I’m thankful for and now a girlfriend that I am also very thankful for!

4. Being Able to See New Places

Along with eating, seeing and experiencing new places around the world is my passion – and I’m blessed to be able to travel.

5. Working Online and Blogging

I really enjoy blogging and I’m extremely grateful that I can travel, eat, write, and do a few other side freelance jobs to make enough to continue working online from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

I’m thankful for being able to blog on Migrationology and Eating Thai Food and for the opportunity to write regularly for Go Backpacking and for a number of other travel / food sites.

These 5 things mentioned are just the tip of things I’m thankful for.

Do you have anything you’re especially thankful for this year?