Being Thankful

(This was such an appropriate Thanksgiving sentiment, it deserved to be refreshed and read again this year.)

Although Thanksgiving is typically a time when we focus on family and thankfulness, having a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude each day is something that will serve our higher good throughout the year.

With that said, let’s be candid, it has been yet another distressing year for both individuals and families.  Between the waning pandemic, mandatory this and that, and continuing political stuff, the season can seem like a time to be anything but thankful.

In the Midst of Turbulence

Yet, when we stop for a moment in the midst of turbulence and upset, there is still so much for each of us to be thankful for – from little things to the bigger ones.  We just have to let go of our emotional angst and realize that numerous activities and features of life that we truly cherish still surround us. They are just waiting to be noticed again!

Joy in Our Hearts

These are the times and events that, when noted, can bring us joy in the moment as well as in our hearts!

The challenges and problems we face may be brief or perhaps longer.  So, let go of them for now, and enjoy these seasonal gatherings.

Letting Go

And, for those who feel they must hold on to problems until they are resolved, try and put them on the shelf for a spell.  Unplugging has a way of making situations feel different once they have sat for a while.  They often become smaller after being placed emotionally out-of-sight.  Occasionally, in a short passage of time, unforeseen solutions appear when (and where) we least expected them.

Embrace These Times – All Things Come to Pass

Let us enjoy these occasions we have together while they are happening — for all things come to pass.

Years from now, in retrospect, some of the times we may have thought were so challenging and sparse will become the ones we wished we would have cherished when we had the chance.

A Few Things to be Thankful For

Here are a few things to be thankful for, that are in no particular order…

• Family and friends.  Warm conversations, stories about the past, good times and friendly rivalries all mix together for marvelous experiences that will be remembered fondly.  Years later, each of us can look back on that cherished conversation that will warm our heart.
• Our Home.  Our home, whatever it may be, is our sanctuary where we can be our self, completely unplugged and authentic. 
• Thanksgiving and family get-togethers.  The Thanksgiving, and special holiday meals, are as much about our close bonds and sharing our caing and love for one another as it is about the meal itself.  No matter whether we have a giant spread or a simple entre, the mealtime gathering is a celebration of heartfelt joy of being with others.
• Health.  It’s always wise to be grateful for our good health.  Modern medicine makes it possible for us to be mobile and active now more so than any time in the past.
• Autumn colors.  Although late in the season, some places showcase late autumn colors that add a sparkle to the day.  The leaves and the trees brighten the world with their happy hues.
• Netflix, Hulu, etc.  There’s no better time to binge watch those favorite programs than the Thanksgiving and holiday season.  We can laugh and cry together as we watch the classics (and corny classics) together, sharing our favorite scenes with our family and friends.
• Snow and snowmen.  Skiing, sledding, snowball fights, and snowmen are just fun!  Children and adults alike can share in the creative expression of that uniquely inspired igloo, snow structure or snow creature.  Remember to take a picture!
• Pets.  Pets, especially dogs, love attention.  Some pets can perform tricks and make themselves incredibly adorable.  They love us unconditionally, which many humans could learn to do.
• Pies, Cakes and Ice Cream.  Regardless of whether the Thanksgiving meal was to our liking, there is always dessert!  It’s imperative to save room for ice cream, pumpkin and apple pies, cakes and sweets of all types.
• Our Community.  Our community can offer a source of unity, strength, mutual good will and a feeling of belonging.  There are many places in the world where that is in short supply.
• Colorful Pumpkins.  Bright orange pumpkins make the holiday more colorful.  Creative Thanksgiving pumpkin displays transform our home into an artform.
• Arts and Crafts.  Keeping in the art vein, any holiday gathering offers the rare opporuntity for the art lovers to display both their individual and collective creative expressions.  A group-created painting can be something special to behold.
• Parades.  Parades are a mixture of artful expression, band music, local charities and other organizations to display their talents.  The Macy’s day parade is a Thanksgiving tradition that is a wonderful spectacle of floats, music, gigantic balloons and, of course, Santa Claus!
• Modern Amenities.  Electricity, hot and cold running water, lights, indoor plumbing are the norm in the western world.  They make our life unbelievably easy and comfortable for us.
• Sports.  Football, and sports of all types, can be watched live together for shared comarderie and friendly competition.  Remember, it’s just a game.
• Social Media and Zoom reunions.  Nowadays, even when we are not able to be together, we can do the next best thing.  Between Zoom, Skype, Facebook phonecalls and other social media, being apart is practically like being there.
• Games and competitions.  Card games, board games, electronic games, and even internet games, can create special times that will never be forgotten.

Thankfulness Magnetizes Positive Situations

With any of the above in mind (there are more), it is a reminder that when we live in the energy and attitude of thankfulness, we naturally open ourselves and magnetize a greater unfoldment of positive situations, events and people into our experience.  Together, they sustain and increase our level of joy, happiness and abundance.

Isn’t it interesting how people who are appreciative for all they have in their lives seem to live more happily and abundantly?  Fortunate things just seem to happen to them more often than those who are not.

Choose to be Thankful

As we recognize that the unfoldment in our daily life is related to the nature of our connection with being thankful, then we can choose to live in it.  We will then be able to be thankful in everything, everyone and all situations in our lives.