(Thanksgiving 2009)"Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a way of life."
Although I don't consider myself very religious, that quote resonated with me as I drove by that little country church.
On Thanksgiving, Americans stop to think about what they are thankful for--family, friends, health, money, career, contentment, or whatever it may be. Don't get me wrong, I think Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our lives and rediscover what we are grateful for in this world.
But why just this one specified day of the year? Why not every day?
This Thanksgiving, I certainly am reflective on my past, especially at how far I've come in the last 2 years. Last year at this time, I was absolutely dreading Thanksgiving--the food, the stress, the weight gain. Last year, I wasn't attending college and wasn't sure if I would ever return.
This year? I won't lie and say I'm not anxious or stressed. After all, my family isn't always tactful when it comes to comments about weight and diet. And the fact that in 8 hours, I will be stuck in a car for 4 hours (we are travelling to my grandparents' house this year in Pittsburgh) and then I'll be eating immediately afterwards, and then sitting around some more, isn't exactly making me jump for joy.
However, I'm not worried about it. Food will be enjoyed, wine will be consumed, laughter will be heard, conversation will be had, and my heart will be filled with joy.
This year, I am literally less than one month away from being a college graduate.
This year, I am at a healthy weight. I have had consistent menstrual periods for 3 months straight. I exercise lightly when--and only when--I want to, not because I feel the "need" to. I indulge in the foods I love, because I know that as long as my diet is mostly balanced, I will be just fine.
So, join me, friends. This year, let's make a vow to be mindful of our blessings every day, not just on Thanksgiving.
On Thanksgiving, Americans stop to think about what they are thankful for--family, friends, health, money, career, contentment, or whatever it may be. Don't get me wrong, I think Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our lives and rediscover what we are grateful for in this world.
But why just this one specified day of the year? Why not every day?
This Thanksgiving, I certainly am reflective on my past, especially at how far I've come in the last 2 years. Last year at this time, I was absolutely dreading Thanksgiving--the food, the stress, the weight gain. Last year, I wasn't attending college and wasn't sure if I would ever return.
This year? I won't lie and say I'm not anxious or stressed. After all, my family isn't always tactful when it comes to comments about weight and diet. And the fact that in 8 hours, I will be stuck in a car for 4 hours (we are travelling to my grandparents' house this year in Pittsburgh) and then I'll be eating immediately afterwards, and then sitting around some more, isn't exactly making me jump for joy.
However, I'm not worried about it. Food will be enjoyed, wine will be consumed, laughter will be heard, conversation will be had, and my heart will be filled with joy.
This year, I am literally less than one month away from being a college graduate.
This year, I am at a healthy weight. I have had consistent menstrual periods for 3 months straight. I exercise lightly when--and only when--I want to, not because I feel the "need" to. I indulge in the foods I love, because I know that as long as my diet is mostly balanced, I will be just fine.
So, join me, friends. This year, let's make a vow to be mindful of our blessings every day, not just on Thanksgiving.
May you all have a healthy, happy, delicious holiday.
I agree. I know that ED makes me focus on the negatives a lot. He makes me think constantly about what I hate about myself. Tomorrow, I am going to focus on the things that about myself that I am thankful for, like humor, patience, and compassion for others.
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday!
-Emily
Happy Thanksgiving Coco! Thanks for the lovely post- I agree completely.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment on my blog. I was going to reply to it under my comments but I wanted to make sure you got my response.
ReplyDeleteYour words really, honestly helped me over the past few days. I took a lot of your advice- I hugged my parents, told them I loved them, told them if there was anything I could do to tell me, and even was able to distract my mom with a show at a local theater...something we don't often get to do together. I forget sometimes that tragedy and loss is sometimes a part of life, so thank you for reminding me (although I am still truly sorry about what your family had to go through).
I think once all of this passes, which it will, my familly WILL be closer. It's just the struggle until we get there that is the hardest part.
Thank you AGAIN. You have no idea how much you helped.
<3
Laura