Give Thanks at Thanksgiving

November 22, 2020

Good morning friends.  I wish you all a happy and healthy day!  It’s time to enjoy life; nature and the outdoors are calling.  This is a special and joyous time of year.  Even with all the madness across our country and around the world, we have so much to be thankful for and enjoy.  Life is a precious gift.  Don’t waste it.  Be grateful each day and make it the best day ever. 

This week bring us to a true day of thanks on Thursday, November 26^th.   It’s Thanksgiving Day! Thanksgiving is an American holiday dating back to 1621.  There are various versions, stories, inaccuracies and myths associated with the account of that first thanksgiving.  Colonists and Indians did gather, but what ultimately occurred is both tragic and sad.  I’ll let you do your own history work on the past.  Obviously none of us were here 400 years ago.  We can’t change the past or what occurred then.  We can only acknowledge the truth, learn from it and become better humans.  What’s more important today, and what we do have control over, is what happens here in the now.  Living in the present, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, is where our focus should be directed.  We are responsible and in control of our own happiness.  If you want to complain and cry about things you have no control over, you only succeed in making your life (and the lives of others around you) miserable.  Why would you want to be anything less than positive?  No one enjoys any of that negativity nonsense.  It serves no purpose and only sinks you further into a depressed mental and physical state.  

Thanksgiving has always been known as a day to give thanks.  It should also be a day of showing gratitude.  There are Americans (and other people around this planet) that take too much for granted.  We are a large nation with a diverse population, with freedom and many comforts other nations do not share.  Many people in our own country live below the poverty level.  Today would be a great day to share your abundance with others.  There are great organizations out there that assist people and families in need.  At this time of year, local area food banks or “Toys for Tots” programs are wonderful organizations, if you wish to donate.  Cleaning out your closet and home of excess clothing and household items is a great way of giving as well.   If you plan to support or donate to any organization, examine where or how much actually makes it to the people in need.  Unfortunately, there are some organizations where small amounts actually make it to the people who need it most.  In essence, ensure the nonprofit is who they say they are.  We all believe in goodness, but evil and unscrupulous individuals still prey on others.

The next part of showing gratitude and thanks is to take better care of yourself.  Too often we put off or simply don’t do all we can to ensure self-care and love for ourselves.  I’m talking to both men and women here.  When was the last time you pampered yourself, took a day off just to do something that satisfied you?  As adults, and for you parents, we typically get caught up in life, taking care of everyone around us, especially our kids, and have little if any time left over for us.  Now is the time to change that narrative.  Start by setting time aside weekly (monthly at the minimum) just for you.  If you have a spouse, partner or significant other; together time is much needed and fabulous.  This doesn’t preclude you from needing some alone time as well.  We all need some down or quiet time to reset our minds and bodies.  Use this time to do what brings you joy, happiness and relaxation.  Maybe it’s meditation, reading, gardening, cooking, getting outside and enjoying nature or a million other things!  The point is, go do it!  Don’t wait.  I know when I nurture my mind, body and spirit, I feel brighter and happier.  Your chosen activity could include exercise (mine does).  There are so many fabulous ways to achieve that goal.  Take the time to discover yourself.  Whatever your choice, this activity is meant to relieve stress and anxiety.  Let it bring happiness and confidence into your life.   

There is so much craziness in our world today.  The pandemic imposed rules and restrictions are created by politics and politicians.  Don’t wall yourself off from the outside world because someone told you too.  For some it may mean staying away from family and friends.  For others it may be wearing that mask all day long; even while alone.  Even if this virus scares you, life is meant to be lived.  Take the necessary precautions if you feel you need them.  Diseases, including a vast variety of viruses have been lurking around our world for thousands of years.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics indicate the threat of death directly associated with the corona virus is relatively low.  Sure there is a surge in cases, because testing is at an all-time high.  How many people are actually sick, hospitalized; or are these increased cases just “positive” test results?  Main stream and social media thrive on spreading fear.  Politicians drive the pandemic and political agenda with closures, lockdowns and control.  I know many share various views and opinions on this topic.  I’m not downplaying parts of the virus, but we need to realize how it’s being used to manipulate the population.

Researches now know so much more about the coronavirus than when it first began.  I will do what I believe is needed to ensure my good health, as I hope you will too.  Don’t allow it to envelop and rule your life.  Find some open space if needed, take off that mask and enjoy breathing.  Living life in fear, trapped inside your home, behind a mask, is not what God intended.  There are politicians making decisions to manipulate, restrict and control us.  Their plan has been part of a large specific agenda since this pandemic began last March.  I have my doubts that some of these individuals have our best interest at heart.  The effects (physically, mentally, spiritually and economically) are real and lasting.  Remember, these are elected politicians and they work for us.  Break that cycle of fear.  Go enjoy some nature, breath, relax and feel the beauty all around you. 

Whether you indulge in Thanksgiving feasts or abstain, utilize this time for you.  Be good to yourself, so you can in turn be extra good to all those wonderful people around you.  Enjoy your family, friends and the fast approaching holidays.  Share quality time with everyone you love.  Be thankful and grateful for life and the many blessings we are surrounded with daily. If you slow down and look, you will actually see amazing things before they pass you by.  Recognize them for what they truly are and mean.  The opportunities can be endless.  Don’t wait for “someday” as it may never come.  Tomorrow is never guaranteed.  Live with purpose, energy and respect for all.  Enjoy your life and the holidays!  Cheers!

Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more!  The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation.  Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!

Thanks for your love and support!  Embrace Life!  Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!