This year is almost over. Time has passed quickly. Friday will be the beginning of another new year. Let us give thanks that we have survived 2009.

We started the year with the world in recession and Jamaica has certainly had its fair share of economic woes. It could have been worse. Let us give thanks.

As the year closes, I reflect on the year just passing. I am grateful to that lady who reminded me that tough times don't last forever, but tough people do. This strengthened my resolve to tough out the year.

I would like to express thanks to all who made my journey worthwhile this year - my boss, my colleagues, my family, my friends and my patients. Thanks for the kind thoughts, thanks for the reminders, thanks for the encouragement, and thanks for your support.

Thank you readers

And to you our special readers, I extend an extra-special thanks. Thanks for finding the time to read our articles, thanks for sharing ideas, thanks for the feedback, and thanks for the comments and criticisms. Thanks for the encouragement, and thanks for just being there.

Indeed, in all things, I say thanks.

Today, I encourage us all to give thanks and to thank those around us who made a difference in our life this year. Let us all cultivate an attitude of gratitude, as persons who continually give thanks are happier and have more fulfilling lives.

As you give thanks, reflect on the incredible people you met, the friends you made and the friendships you sustained, the love and support from family, the fulfilment of work, and the opportunities to live, give and serve.

For some people, the challenges of the year were enormous and sometimes overwhelming - poor health, disappointments, losses and personal pain. The fact that we have survived is enough to give thanks.

As we embrace a new year, let us begin to contemplate the possibility of greater possibilities.

As we anticipate the challenges and excitement of a new year, let us give thanks.

Remember, life is full of opportunities for giving thanks. Have a happy and thankful New Year!

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Deptartment of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.