The Thanksgiving holiday and I used to have a love/hate relationship. I loved the four days off from school and seeing friends and family. But what was exciting about eating, collapsing and eating more? I am the active type. Besides, Thanksgiving involved no gifts and no holiday parties. Thanksgiving was the four-day holiday stuck in there and absent of carols, focused around food and watching football. Now I love football – however, this holiday led to the waiting game…is the turkey ready yet? Is the game on yet? Are all the relatives here? Being impatient, I wanted to throw the whole November holiday out and do something.
That was then. This is now. Maturity, wisdom or age has led to a new appreciation of Thanksgiving. There may not be carols, but there is an abundant theme. The theme is gratitude. Never mind about the Indians, the harvest and Plymouth Plantation – the historical facts that built the holiday. Gratitude is an attitude we can all adapt for today and everyday. What a fine reminder to reflect on life and appreciate the moment.
Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to remember what is important in life.
We all face challenging moments. Yet, we can be grateful to have cars that run, jobs that pay us or people that love us. Thanksgiving is the simple holiday, where we take the time to be thankful. You can make the season what you would like it to be. The simple things in life are most important.
This month focus on what works. I have often heard the expression "What we focus on grows." Join me in focusing on love and appreciation this month.
1. Take a moment this month to think of people to whom you are grateful.
The first things that come to my mind are the person who taught me to tell time and my cousin who taught me how to tie my shoe! You may have in mind your first baseball coach, your favorite college professor, or first employer.
2. Be spontaneous and call or write one person who impacted your life.
Let them know what their input meant to you in your life.
3. Create a Thanksgiving Tale
Tell others of something you are thankful for in your life – where you live, your friends, or a recent vacation. Start a conversation about what they appreciate, maybe over the Thanksgiving dinner table. With all that food, there will be plenty of time to talk gratitude as you digest and start on dessert.
