Thanksgiving. A day dedicated to expressing gratitude for all the things we have in life. 

We write beautiful messages and post pictures of turkey and yummy food on social networks. There is no room for negativity.

But when the day is over, we go back to our old ways.

So, let me ask you. What happens the rest of the year? Where do the gratitude and love go?  

Whether it is mental or physical, pain is never an enjoyable feeling. And yet, we seem to revel in it. 

No matter how bright the Sun seems to shine, we are more interested in looking at its shadow. 

No matter how big the Moon's smile is, we prefer focusing on the darkness surrounding it. 

We speak of change on a daily basis. We demand respect of others. We talk of unity. And yet, every disagreement makes us forget our humanity. 

We are the only animals with a brain powerful enough to do magnificent things. And yet, we destroy everything around us. 

Deliberate ignorance is the real disease of this century. 

Cendrine Marrouat - http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com

Change cannot happen without people.

It is not enough to talk about it. It is not enough to sit and wait for others to do the work for you. 

You must will change with all your might -- until even your bones demand action from you. 

"Change brings opportunity." - Nido Qubein

"Change is the only constant. Hanging on is the only sin." - Denise McCluggage

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." - Gail Sheehy

Cendrine Marrouat - http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com

If you have no passion, you cannot have a sense of purpose. 

So, find what makes you tick and want to be the best you can be. 

You may think that you only have 24 hours in a day. But, each hour is made up of 3,600 seconds. And one second can make a complete difference in another person's life.

Smiling actually takes half a second.

Cendrine Marrouat - http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com

One of the greatest pieces of advice I have ever received on writing was this:

"Always share your happiest thoughts on paper. And force yourself to find a positive angle to the not-so-happy ones."

Well, the same goes for life. Every cloud has a silver lining. Nothing is impossible.  

The brain is a powerful machine that you can train at will. So, use it well! 

Cendrine Marrouat - http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com

"Let Love guide you until you feel

The hand of God on your shoulder

And hear His words in your mind.

Then, watch what happens!"

There is something profoundly humbling about Syria. Everywhere, even in the big cities, you can feel the hand of God brushing against your face. I'm very proud of this shot. I remember that day as though it was yesterday. The view was amazing!