Happy Monday!
Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you rested over the weekend and are prepared for the festivities. This is one of my favorite holidays because it’s all about gratitude. We can take time to reflect on those people in our lives for whom we have fondness and thanks. We might reach out to remind someone how much they have positively influenced our lives. We may also spend time with those whose love and support have made our difficult times a little less daunting.
I appreciate the thoughts behind this quote from Melody Beattie, one of America’s well-known authors in the recovery and healing circles:
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Seeking a posture of thanksgiving is not always easy. Sometimes we have to let go of our desires and accept the situations in our lives for their hidden value. Perhaps we have to adopt a broader worldview and appreciate the notion that we may not have it all as together as we’d like. Often we simply need to look beyond our pride to accept simple pleasures that come with letting go of our expectations to invite new experiences that will enrich our lives. Purposing to live a life of gratitude can be difficult at first. However, once we begin to lean into the practice and appreciate the simplicity of being thankful for each moment, we find ourselves slowing down a bit to enjoy a different pace and quality of life.
Think about the last time we quieted our minds enough to appreciate our blessings. Or when we secured a few moments to write down the many ideas swirling in our heads and create strategies to order our thoughts. Have we calendared time to visit friends or share a meal with our families, focusing on what’s happening in their lives? Spending time to reflect on our past and how it informs our present and future allows space for creativity and vision, and that is a lovely way to reflect on those people and events for which we are grateful.
This week, let’s take some time to quietly review our gratitude lists. Perhaps a mindful walk or activity that provides an opportunity to focus on our thankfulness. Maybe we have a favorite charity that would welcome our help in service. And then carry those thoughts and actions to our loved ones. The spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving will promote joy for the season. Enjoy the blessings of the day and your Thanksgiving feast!
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”I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 (NKJV)
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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