Several weeks ago, another Turkey Day went down in the books, and suddenly a new holiday season is upon us. Wow, time has taken some serious flight! And as it happens every year, the phase of giving thanks and counting your blessings unofficially ended on Black Friday. It seems as if we plunged into the Christmas chaos and the holiday rush, leaving our gratitude behind. But this year, I plan to be truly thankful all year long.
Be thankful for the pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink because it means you cooked and enjoyed an amazing meal with your family.
Be thankful for the even bigger pile of bills sitting in your mailbox because it means you are able to maintain (even if just barely), a comfortable home for your family.
Be thankful for the hamper overflowing with dirty clothes because it means your kids get to wear different clothes to school every day. We can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with our endless wardrobes.
Be thankful for daily aches and pains because it means you are not consumed with pain from a more serious health condition.
Be thankful for getting stuck in traffic on the way to work because it means you have an important enough position and would be noticed if arriving late.
Be thankful for bickering with your significant other because it means your partner cares enough to respond and be with you.
Be thankful for having the same old argument with your children because it means they care enough to hear your opinion, and maybe one day will heed your advice.
Be thankful for being habitually late for almost everything, at least you are in the running, even if you end up in last place.
Be thankful for your mom’s criticisms, if lucky enough to still have her near, because someday you’ll forget what her voice sounds like.
Be thankful for your kids’ criticisms because they are just reiterating what you taught them, and you taught them well.
Be thankful for “minor” disagreements with family members or friends, which alleviate years of not speaking.
Be thankful for fears and anxiety because it means you have people in your life you care about.
Be thankful for memories of lost loved ones that break your heart because it means you were fortunate enough to love and be loved.
And in the splendor of the season:
Be thankful for all the people on your holiday gift list that you can’t find the perfect gift for because it means your friends and family members probably are living comfortably and don’t really need anything.
Be thankful for the New Year’s resolutions you will eventually break because it means you really don’t have major issues and by now, have survived many years with broken resolutions.
To everyone, enjoy the season but give thanks and truly appreciate because there is so much to be grateful for in life, all year round! Happy Holidays!
