Truly Thankful

Gobble Gobble. Thanksgiving day is right around the corner and what better time to prepare than right now. At that thought most of us conjure up images of checking off grocery lists and scavenging for fail proof recipes. But the preparation I'm encouraging is more along the lines of emotional substance.

Last week, when my 3 year old asked me why we have Thanksgiving, I replied "So we can spend time with our family and friends and eat yummy food." I was a little taken back when my 5 year old corrected me. "No mommy, it's because the Pilgrims and the Indians were thankful for their food so they had a big dinner together." Thanks son, history never was my strong suit.

That humbling conversation got me thinking. Why do we have Thanksgiving? For some it is about spending quality time with our loved ones and an excuse to gorge on turkey and pumpkin pie. For others it's about the history and how one moment can turn into life-long traditions. But let's not forget what it should be about too - Being Thankful.

I find it discouraging that for some, especially dinner hosts, Thanksgiving is about slicing and dicing, table placements and last minute carpet cleaning. Too many times I find that preparing for a huge feast and accommodating guests leaves you without ample time to really consider what it is you are truly thankful for. Besides the obvious gratitude that comes with having a family, children and a good job, what is it specifically that you are thankful for? Perhaps it is the sound of your child's laughter, a warm embrace with your spouse, or personal fulfillment from career growth? Whatever it is, I think we owe it to ourselves to pick apart the good in our lives especially when it seems like so much else is bad.

When you are seated at the dinner table and it is your turn to give your "I am thankful for...." testimony you will see that speaking words of gratitude are much different than feeling them. So let's take the time, now, to reflect on what brings us joy in our lives and resonate in the things we are thankful that we don't have to live without.

And what better opportunity to teach our children genuine gratitude. This year I will sit down both of my children and encourage them to start thinking about what they will say when it is their turn to speak at the table. My only guidelines for them are to be specific and try to pick something that you cannot buy. I look forward to their reveal tomorrow because as a dedicated mother, I hope they are thankful for more than scooters and video games.

What we teach our kids now, they will carry for the rest of their lives. We can show them that regardless of how hectic our lives are or how bad things may seem there is always a time for reflecting on happiness.

For what it's worth, I am thankful for my unconditionally supportive family who continues to stand by my side as I plot along on my journey toward self-discovery. I am also eternally grateful for divine guidance in its many forms.

Many blessings and best wishes to you and your families!