Thanksgiving Day is a natural time for many Americans to pause, and reflect on all of the things they have in their lives to ‘smile about’ (i.e., be grateful for). As I sit in my in-laws home, surrounded by family of all ages, smelling amazing food cooking, it’s easy for me to generate a list of things that currently make me smile::
- Everyone in this home is physically healthy. (Which is a true gift; health is such a treasure, and yet is something that I frequently take for granted.)
- Everyone in this home is free of serious financial concerns. At a time when so many people are on the brink of loss, we can all afford to make an abundant meal, shop for sales on Black Friday (if that’s a desired activity to do), and be on vacation instead of at work.
- Everyone in this home is happy. I hear laughter from the toddlers and the adults, and I see everyone smile throughout the day.
- Everyone in this home is loving. While various individuals may have differences of opinion or preference, the dominant tone is a caring one.
And I could easily keep going. But I don’t think that’s necessary. My heart is full of appreciation, gratitude, and genuine thanks; a wonderful place to be on Thanksgiving Day, and indeed on any day.
If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I sincerely hope you and yours all have an amazing holiday. And if you don’t participate in Thanksgiving Day, I still hope your day is full of health, security, joy, and love. Peace.
Stef
Beautiful reflection, Stef.
A happy, healthy, hearty and heartfelt Thanksgiving to you and yours —-
Thank you Judith; and the same to you!
One word…thanks
Thank you for stopping by, and for commenting; I really appreciate it!
(I just saw that you also signed up to subscribe to the blog – oh wow, thank you for that! I really appreciate it.) :)
what lovely smile filled thanksgiving thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thank you Joss. I live a truly blessed life; it’s ‘easy’ to share gratitude when life is so beautiful. :)
Yes, you have much to be thankful for Stef and I hope this day continues to glow in your heart.
Unfortunately, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in Oz – but I think we should; (I lived in the States for three years and loved that celebration, it’s so meaningful).
So I’d like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving with all your family. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Barb, thank you for your kind words. I didn’t know you lived in the US once upon a time; I agree with you that this holiday is truly a lovely one. :)
Happy turkey day to you too! :)
Thanks Hanna! Though as a vegetarian, for me it was “Happy Mock Chick’n Day.” :)
Happy Thanks Giving!
You are right health is something we take for granted.
Thanks Piglet. It’s interesting to me that so often I only notice when things are going “wrong” – so I now actively work to notice when things are going “right”, too. I find that things are actually more often ‘right’ than ‘wrong’! :)
I love the things that you are thankful for. It’s very easy to take things for granted!
Thanks for reading and for commenting Joanne – I really appreciate it! I agree, it is easy to take so many things for granted, and to not realize/appreciate how many amazing things I really do have in my life. Gratitude is a great remedy to that. :)
Lovely scene you described. Feel all warm inside.
Thank you so much for your comment, and for taking the time to stop by and read; I really appreciate it!
Absoluetly beautiful!! We all have so much to be thankful for and smile about! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you Melissa! Yes, we are all amazingly lucky people; and I think it’s great for us to pause every now and again and recognize and appreciate that. :)
I love your list of gratitude. Thanks for sharing. :-)
CB, you are most welcome. As always, thank you for commenting! I appreciate *your* positive nature, and your support. :)
What a wonderful blog you write day after day! So many things to be thankful for – good health, jobs, family, togetherness, love… they are the things that we wish for and treasure. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Thank you so much mkmercurio! I truly appreciate your kind words. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a wonderful holiday, too! :)