This was originally posted in 2017. It is a good reminder for us all to be thankful, and to be grateful, during this challenging November in 2018. Please consider helping the families who have been devastated by the fires in California. Simply go to the American Red Cross and click on the ‘Donate Now’ button. If everyone in the FabulousAfterFifty community donated $10 we could raise over $10,000 to those who are desperately in need of help this Thanksgiving. Thank you.
As plans are being made across the country, let’s pause. I have reflected upon what Thanksgiving meant when I was a young girl. I knew I was supposed to give thanks for many of the things I took for granted as a child. But, at that time the day was really more about enjoying turkey & pumpkin pie and singing our annual pumpkin pie song (yes, there is a song!). Now, I try to take time to recognize that while life can be a struggle at times – I do have so much to be thankful for, and I am grateful.
You may be celebrating on Thursday with family that looks a little different than the family you were with as a child. If not with family, you may be celebrating with friends. This celebration may be everyone gathered around a table at home, or a gathering within your community. It may be a time you give back, and reach out to those less fortunate. However you choose to spend the day, spend it with those who are important to you. If you are alone this year and a friend invites you to spend the day with them – accept the invitation. During times of stress (and holidays can be stressful) spending time with friends can be invaluable. This coming week, don’t dwell on what you feel may be missing in your life. Instead, remember the people and moments that made you fabulous and made you strong.
I don’t know who wrote the words below. While what they say may seem obvious we sometimes need to be reminded that from struggles comes strength. When we feel strong we are better equipped to put things in perspective, be grateful, and be thankful for the lessons learned. Read these words out loud, reflect, and take a few minutes to write down the things you are thankful for – I think you may be surprised at how long your list is when you do.
“I’m thankful for my struggle, because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”
“No matter how difficult or hard it may seem, let’s see the lesson in our current situation. Let’s try to learn as much as we can and never forget to give thanks for all of it.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is from the renewed heart with purpose