We tend, when we celebrate Thanksgiving, to reflect back to the Pilgrims and the “first Thanksgiving”. Historical discussions and political arguments aside, Thanksgiving is less a holiday to celebrate the past and more of a holiday to celebrate the present. Gratitude is for today. Thanksgiving celebrates what we have, not what we had.
We tend to either be looking back or looking forward. Rarely do we pause to just enjoy the moment.
This Thanksgiving, take the opportunity to just enjoy the present. Don’t stress trying to please others or have the “perfect” Thanksgiving. If you have little, don’t dwell on what you don’t have (for most Americans, that will be more than most of the world), enjoy the people you are with. If you have plenty, be especially grateful. Share your plenty with others. Make Thanksgiving about relationships and not food.
Some may have to dig deep, but consider the things for which you are grateful. Even if things are hard and one is struggling in life, there is much for which to be grateful. For some, just surviving the battle for one more day is something for which to be grateful. Take time before Thursday’s festivities to consider the path you are on and make a gratitude list. It may take several days to perfect, but enter Thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude.
Carpe momento!