Interesting to me, optimism was one of Teddy's major personality traits. By way, we were back going downtown again, on another train and I was still listening to Teddy Roosevelt-speaking to me! It may have been hot subway, but it was music to my ears to hear: "Always do best you can with what you have, and where you are." We certainly had to, as once again we were on wrong train and it actually started back uptown at 14th St. On third try, we finally emerged at Chambers St. Mr. Foote reminded me (I never knew this) that subways were first put in because there had been a snowstorm in NYC that paralyzed city for weeks and weeks. Mr. Roosevelt was significant in getting subways built. How ironic, that we were going back and forth, as we were on line affected by 9/11 and as infrequent travelers, neither of us realized that most of trains only went to 14th St. and then started back up. But then if we had realized this fact, I wouldn't have had such a great adventure!

I emerged from underground a changed woman—Imagine Teddy Roosevelt and myself in conversation? (PS. Do you know why Teddy Bears are called Teddy Bears? I do now.)

HEALTH: Just surviving past childhood used to be a major accomplishment. Now we expect to live into our 80s or 90s. And we expect – no, we demand – to have exceptional health care all along way (even those who are afraid to go to doctor!).

This list could keep growing, but I think these are major benefits of living in twenty-first century, especially in developed world. What does that have to do with thanksgiving and happiness?

Well, follow this train of thought. Whatever you have, you can either appreciate or not. If you appreciate it -- I mean really notice that you have it, that it is good, that you feel good about having it -- it will bring you happiness. However, if you get used to it, take it for granted, and focus on getting something you don't have, it won't bring you happiness.

Appreciation is key to happiness. Whatever you truly and proactively appreciate, whether "stuff" or education or a vacation, will bring you happiness. But in this fast-paced, dog-eat-dog, over-stimulated society how can we appreciate anything?

Sadly, many of us who have most to be grateful for express gratitude least and feel least appreciation. It seems more we have more we want. The more we want, less we appreciate what we have. The less we appreciate, less value there is to having anything, which may explain why we keep wanting more

The secret to feeling that appreciation we often overlook is in expressing our gratitude vocally or in writing. How can we possibly fail to appreciate something when we say "Thank you" for it and focus our attention on appreciation?

I offer several ideas on how to express gratitude in "Get Happy Workbook" and my book "Climb your Stairway to Heaven: 9 habits of maximum happiness", including keeping a gratitude journal, saying grace, practicing "bolsterism", or just sending flowers, cards, or an appreciative e-mail message – to name just a few ideas. Perhaps most useful of all ideas is to make Thanksgiving Day every day.

Christmas is important. Easter is important. Halloween is important for kids. But for our own personal happiness, there is nothing like a truly heartfelt Thanksgiving.