THANKSGIVING / NOVEMBER 2018

Given the holiday, it’s a short blog this time around.  But that doesn’t make the message any less sweet.

 

 

TITLE

Self-explanatory, I hope.  Lol.

 

 

THANKSGIVING 2018

Reflecting on one’s blessings shouldn’t be relegated to one day or week of the year.  But at least there’s a catalyst to initiate these thoughts.  This Thanksgiving I’m surrounded by some of my best friends and closest family.  With so much hell in the world and so much turmoil in one’s life, it’s so very important to reflect on the positives in life.  I’ve been so very fortunate to have developed a strong relationship with my family, a circle of spectacular friends, a wonderful relationship, and cultivate several hobbies.  I’m on a list kick, so I’ve compiled three things to consider:

 

• Make Peace / Forgive – It is so goddamn hard to forgive and make peace with people and circumstances which have caused you great harm. Processing those emotions takes months or years and copious amounts of mental and emotional energy.  But let’s put that aside.  Forgiving and making peace isn’t about forgetting or giving a pass to those who hurt you.  It’s also about protecting and preserving yourself.  In fact, more people should view the act of forgiveness as a selfish act.  And I don’t mean that negatively.  Forgiving the people who’ve hurt you allows you to begin a long process of reconciliation and growth.  That hurt – the pain you’ve experienced – can often hold us back and result in bitterness.  If you can, start the long process of forgiveness.

 

• Keep A List of Thankful Items – Try this. Consider it a Pinterest project.  Make a list – on your phone, on your mental, on your laptop – of all the things you’re thankful.  And then keep it.  Refer to it in times of stress or complacency or happiness.  I’ve started doing this the last couple of years.  I find myself returning to my parents, my best friends, my meager accomplishments (ha!), and my relationship.  I think about these things during times of sadness, struggle, and serenity.  It can make the lulls just a wee bit easier.

 

• Savor It – Dwell in it.   Wallow in your good fortune.  You look good.  Your clothes are on fleek.  You got a paper published.  Your significant other is bomb.  You have a PhD.  Your money is right.  Your friends are spectacular. Whatever it is.  Find those blessings – those good fortunes, if you will – and spend a little time soaking it up.  Don’t go overboard, Narcissus.  But you know what I mean.

 

 

CURRENT SHOWS

Recently finished:  Disenchanted; House of Cards (s6); The Man in the High Castle (s3)

Currently watching:  Bodyguard; Terrace House:  Girls and Boys in the City (s2); The Deuce (s2)

 

Thank you for reading!  My next post is scheduled for Thursday, December 20^th.  Until next time….