For years now, I’ve always held Thanksgiving as my favorite holiday. I’ve been able to ignore the Black Friday chaos and purely focus on the feast, friends, family and football. Of course the number one focus is giving thanks and reflecting on all the blessings that surround me. This focus is certainly one that shouldn’t be just for one day or a four day weekend, but rather year-round. So this year, I’m expanding my Thanksgiving thoughts to the month of November.
I recall one Thanksgiving where we went around the table and actually said what we were thankful for. Not a bad exercise and it actually was good for a few laughs. With that memory in mind here are a half dozen things that come to my mind as I type.
* I’m thankful for all the beautiful leaves that have adorned the trees
* I’m thankful those leaves are now piled curbside – out of my yard
* I’m thankful for good health of family and friends
* I’m thankful for the miles of safe travel I have enjoyed this year
* I’m thankful to be spending Thanksgiving with my kids and granddaughter
* I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve made over my life
I regularly write about reaching out to old friends and staying connected. It energizes me and causes me to reflect on how blessed my life has been. The number of people that have come into my life to help me, befriend me, mentor me and care about me has always provided comfort. I am humbled by those relationships. Whether that person has been a long-term friend or just a brief encounter – I have valued the time we’ve shared. Some people can make lasting impressions in a short period of time. People you can trust, people you can count on and people who care about you have always made a difference in my life. I’m eternally grateful for those relationships.
I’ve also come to realize you’re never too old to make new friends. Sometimes the connection is instant and other times you have to work at it, but invariably it is worth the effort and time. That human connection is what drives our spirit.
Whenever I find myself stressed about one thing or another, focusing my brain on things I am thankful for has proven to be a wonderful method to pull me out of the vortex and into positive stream of consciousness. Reflecting on relationships, past and present always causes me to feel blessed.
Wishing you all a Thanksgiving holiday filled with a cornucopia of blessings to be thankful for every day of the year.
Until next time….