I’ve mentioned before that it took a while for me to like Thanksgiving. I think as kids we aren’t always attuned to the more simplistic holidays – if it doesn’t have chocolate or presents as a staple, forget it! As I’ve grown up, though, I’ve come to treasure a quiet day with family. I’m amazed that we’ve always had food on the table – and generous amounts of it. I’m in awe that so many of us are still here, and I remember those who aren’t…sometimes that last one is more painful than others.
The fact is, I’m very lucky. In my personal life and in my professional life. I think a lot of us have gotten in the habit of focusing on how things aren’t going our way, how we’re lacking, how things are going to be terrible in some way. We forget about all the things we DO have – even the little, simple things. The fact that I’m waking up alive puts things in the right direction. I can breathe easily, I have all my facilities, etc…not only that, but I’ve got a place to live, I’ve got food, I’ve got family and friends I care about. I’m working in fields that I love and earning something doing it.
In the past year, I’ve realized that I’m really lucky in my writing life, too. I have a vast amount of ideas, and though sometimes they come hard and fast enough to tick me off…I’m blessed. I’ve made a lot of new friends and connections, people I care about who are there if I need advice or a nudge in the right direction. I’ve got readers and people who are slowly gaining interest in those quirky ideas I put out to the world. I’ve got people who sometimes need help from me, too, which is always amazing and humbling.
It’s a good life, even if it’s sometimes bumpy and confusing. I’m thankful for so much, that when I stop to think about it, it really kind of makes me realize how much of a part of things I am, and how awesome life is.
So to everyone – even those who aren’t celebrating today, even those who may be in a hard place and want to kick the holiday aside for the moment…you’re awesome and I’m thankful you’re all here. Happy Thanksgiving!
So what are you thankful for?
Come Selahway With Me... 