In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m inspired to celebrate “outside the box” this year.

Care to join me?

I’ve decided to be grateful for things often not considered. While heartfelt and purposeful to turn toward the goodness in our life as we give thanks, it’s also easy.

Giving thanks out of places of pain and imperfection – now, that is challenging. It’s also exquisitely beautiful. And, it’s certainly outside the box.

As you practice gratitude this season, I invite you to offer Thanksgiving “with a twist” in these powerful places:

1. You. That’s right. Give thanks for you. You are wonderful and messy and in progress — just like everyone else. Give thanks for all of you. Be thankful for the parts of your life you love and the parts you wish were different.

Give thanks for the work behind you because it deserves to be honored. Give thanks for the place you find yourself now because you are learning, growing and becoming a better version of you. Give thanks for the road ahead, for it holds the goodness that’s coming. Give thanks for the journey. You’re not done yet, and neither is your story.

2. Regret. I know that sounds strange, but finding gratitude in regret has the power to set us free. Everyone has regret. Some regrets are big, others are small. All regrets are great teachers. Be thankful for your teachers.

What’s the first regret that comes to mind? Gloss over the sting. Go straight to the learning. What did that specific regret teach you about life, about yourself, about others? Simmer in those thoughts and swarm around with a grateful heart for the wisdom you have moving forward. While you’re there, forgive yourself and let it go.

3. Public Enemy No. 1. OK, maybe that’s a little harsh, but you get the idea. Who’s brought pain to your life? I’m certainly not suggesting we become thankful for those who have committed acts of harm and hurt. I am suggesting we find gratitude in surviving hardships and trials. Who’s brought you to places of pain that allowed you to experience your own strength, or whatever inner quality you felt rise up in you to endure?

What’s the legacy they leave in your life? Conjure the good, acknowledge the bad. Sit in the awareness of how their place in your life changed you. Take it all in and give thanks. Give thanks for the attributes that rose up in you through the fire.

Give thanks for how hearts heal across time. When we are grateful, it’s nearly impossible for the bitterness of pain to infect our lives. Let gratitude begin to heal injury.

How’s that for “Thanksgiving with a twist?” When we find ourselves living in gratitude for the good, the bad, and everything in between, we’re one step closer to a life lived well and with great peace — a gracious gift we all deserve this holiday season.

Shannon West is the owner of Speaking Pink, a therapy practice in Kirkland for teenage girls and twenties women. Email: shannon@speakingpink.com.