Gratitude or Gravy?


There are a lot of articles and posts on Facebook and Twitter this week about what people are thankful for, and that is wonderful to see. We’re so fortunate in this country to have a holiday that causes us to pause and think about what we’re grateful for.

Or is it just a day to stuff ourselves?

Obviously, we all look forward to a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional dishes – I’m sure you have your favorite – most likely concluding with a pumpkin pie or some dessert of pumpkin origin followed by a food coma. I know a lot of people look forward to the football games that will be on TV.

Some people just look forward to the four day weekend as a welcome respite from their busy schedules and a time to catch their breath before all the big holiday events begin.

Often we just float through this day as another tradition that doesn’t mean any more to us than any other day off. Some of you may be dreading the obligatory appearance at a family gathering that will be full of stress and drama.

Some of you may have no family nearby, no time or money to get home or perhaps no family at all. I’m always happy to see my California transplant friends get together for an “Orphan Thanksgiving”.

If you have nowhere to go, and you feel so inclined, you could help out at a homeless shelter, feeding those who don’t have much and making connections that will mean so much to someone else. Or you could find an elderly person to visit who would otherwise be spending the holiday alone. You can make this a Thanksgiving to remember if it is your intention is to do so.

Whatever your plans are tomorrow, whether it’s a dinner you’re looking forward to for the company or the food (or both), or if you’ll be numbly counting the minutes until you can leave wherever you are obligated to be, or you don’t have any plans at all – take a moment to stop and think of what you are thankful for. It’s a holiday – you don’t have to work and most likely you have Friday to yourself as well so there should be some time in there for a moment of genuine gratitude.

If you can’t seem to think of much to be grateful for, let me help you – Do you have your health? Do you have a home, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear and food to eat? Do you have people in your life who love and support you? Do you have a job? Do you have a car? Do you have money in the bank? Do you have activities that you enjoy? Do you have a strong belief system that keeps you going? Do you have hopes and dreams for the future?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these – be thankful for that. There is always a blessing somewhere in our lives, even when we think we have nothing. Think of the less fortunate who don’t have the luxury of a traditional meal in a nice home. And I would bet that you would still find that they are grateful for what they do have, even if it doesn’t seem like much.

Enjoy your day, however you are spending it, whomever you will be with, whether you are looking forward to it or not, and make sure to include some “thanks” in your Thanksgiving.

I wish you a day of gratitude, gravy and many blessings this holiday season.
Much love,
Tanna


Living Peacefully ™ is written by Tanna Marshall, Author, Holistic Consultant and Personal Coach. If you have any questions or would like more information about Living Peacefully, please contact:
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Comments

  1. Kate, law of attractionDecember 9, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    This post remind me to know how to say thank you and be grateful for all the blessings that I had received. I have nothing to ask from God because He gave me such a loving family that cannot be replace of anything.

    ReplyDelete

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