Column #66

Few people naturally express their full gratitude no matter their state in life. In fact, in our crazy world many focus on problems (real and imagined) and see little reason to give thanks.

Many religious people give thanks with cookie-cutter prayers. However, being thankful is more than that. For most of us, life is probably better than we deserve which means we have much to be thankful for. It wasn’t just luck, hard work, and perseverance that got us to our current station in life, rather it was a combination of our own efforts and life experiences plus the efforts of others for which we must be thankful. We can’t do anything alone.

This Thanksgiving I challenge you to list your life’s many blessings. As you think about it, you’ll be amazed by your never-ending list.

In no particular order are some things I’m thankful for:

●    Our many customers who support our business and credible nutritional science by persistently voting for both with their dollars;
●    My spouse who gives me emotional support and additional perspectives on events and views that I would never have without her;
●    Understanding and supportive relatives, friends, acquaintances, employees, and business partners;
●    All of life’s challenges big and small that have strengthened me;
●    Having learned the fundamentals of nutritional science that is ignored by the majority of health marketers;
●    Understanding that the Omega-3 deficiency is defined by the balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3;
●    Having the opportunity to be a leader in introducing not only grass-fed meats but also Omega-3 poultry and pork to consumers;
●    Being able to eat grass-fed meats, Omega-3 Pork, and Omega-3 Poultry to my heart’s content;
●    Realizing the healthy benefits of eating grass-fed and Omega-3 livestock fats;
●    Not having to go to doctors for even checkups and especially their drugs and operations;
●    A strong immune system, steady nerves, and fully functional brain;
●    Having worked with livestock for over four decades in varied environments;
●    Having professionally worked in finance, mining, marketing, and agriculture;
●    My developed gifts for analysis, objectivity, communications, and critical thinking;
●    The Internet’s online community which broadens my view of the world;
●    The convenience of Internet shopping and home delivery to my front door;
●    Good movies that permit me to throttle back and zone out;
●    Good books on history, relationships, and even interesting stories;
●    Peer reviewed reports on nutrition and health that are well-conceived and executed;
●    Music for the memories and feelings it generates;
●    The opportunities I’ve had to become acquainted with real movers and shakers in many aspects of life;
●    The amazing universe and breathtaking splendor of our little world;
●    Having connected intimately with many of nature’s wild environments;
●    Modern appliances, tools, tech devices, and vehicles;
●    Having been able to travel to many foreign countries;
●    A good hug;
●    A welcoming home;
●    God who inspires and gives hope so that I more diligently apply myself for not just my own but the common good. “God helps those who help themselves.”

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.