We all know we should exude it.

We’ve all heard it about a gazillion times.

We understand that it is, without exception, the right thing to have.

An attitude of gratitude.

Hmm.

This zippy little year called 2020 certainly has put the concept to the test, to be sure.

For so many struggling with, well, the very essence of being, it’s one tall order.

And yet, in everything, there is at least some small shred of appreciation to cling. Now more than ever, that slippery little sliver can be difficult to identify.

But it’s there.

Yes, there is suffering in abundance. There is sadness. There is loss.

But I’m here to tell you that, even in what seems like the darkest era in about a slew of ’em. There is always something for which to be grateful. Honest.

I’m not going to pretend that this has been the best year ever. Or the second best. Or the 947th. Personally, I’ve found it to be just about the cruddiest poo-fest of a miserable excuse for a year in the 52 I’ve been blessed to have.

Then again, I’ve been blessed.

More than I should be. Certainly more than a whiny, snively schmuck like me deserves, hands down.

I lost my pop this year. Some days, I still can’t wrap my head around that fact. The man was larger than life, a force if ever there was one. I miss him every single day.

And yet, I was lucky enough to have more than a half-century with him. That’s a heckuva lot more than many folks get with their dads. And I am grateful to have had it.

I have a son who is clearly the greatest gift of my life. The man he is, the integrity, honesty, decency and character with which he chooses to conduct himself, well — it is my crowning achievement. He’s wicked funny and crazy smart, too. Just sayin’.

Yep, my “thank my lucky stars list” is a long one, peeps — my hubby, my family, my friends, my job and that all-important thing which sustains me through the happy, the sad and the plain old flipping frustrating, my faith.

Shoot, how’s a human supposed to complain in the face of all that good stuff, capisce?

But don’t just take my word for it, y’all. Here’s what some really big brains have had to say about being grateful:

“Gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” — St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” — Henry Ward Beecher

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.” — Amy Collette

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” — Voltaire

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation … your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” — Rabbi Harold Kushner

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy

“Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity.” — Eckhart Tolle

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” — Aesop

“Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.” — Lucius Seneca

I saved the best one for last: “… For it is in giving that we receive.” — St. Francis of Assisi

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Kimerer is a columnist grateful for anyone reading this. Contact her at www.patriciakimerer.com.