This is the time of year when we are “supposed” to be thankful. And I am. I’m thankful all year for the many, many blessings I’ve had throughout my entire life.
But having gone through a major loss within the past year and a half, I see a glimpse of why some may feel this season is an additional emotional burden. We are “supposed” to be happy. We are “supposed” to be grateful. Bah, humbug, right?
Well, maybe it’s attitude that either overrides or expresses gratitude. (And maybe this human emotional roller coaster can be good fodder for our writing, our character development!)
So, here’s what I’m grateful for:
- I’m healthy
- I live where the sun shines most days
- I can go hiking in 60-degree weather in November and even some days in December and January
- I have great friends
- My family
- My ability to write
- My editing clients who keep me as busy as I want to be
- Four published books—I’m living my dream!
So wherever you are—even if we’re spending Thanksgiving with strangers instead of family—have a wonderful day full of Gr-Attitude!
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| A native Montanan, Heidi M. Thomas now lives in North-central Arizona where she blogs, teaches writing, and edits. Her first novel, Cowgirl Dreams, is based on her grandmother, and the sequel, Follow the Dream, won the national WILLA Award. The next book in the series is Dare to Dream, and a non-fiction book Cowgirl Up! A History of Rodeo Women, is also available. Heidi has a degree in journalism and a certificate in fiction writing. |
I really think your way is the way to look at things. Don't concentrate on the losses but on the pluses. May you have a wonderful day of giving thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy current motto is: everyday above ground is a good day. (I don't relish the alternative.) Sometimes, we spend so much time focusing on what we don't have or haven't done that we forget to appreciate what we have.Wishing everyone a happy holiday season.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think it's sad that gratitude is promoted one day of the year. We should be thankful every day for our blessings, which you point out quite nicely in your list of "gratitudes."
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your positive comments! I agree with each one and yes, Linda, if we think of what we're thankful for every day, our negative circumstances can be overcome! And I'm thankful for my BRP friends!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, Heidi. I'm thankful for you!
ReplyDeleteBeing in the same circumstances as you, Heidi, I appreciate the encouragement to change the focus of my thinking. My newest mantra is "Being happy is a decision." As you know, this is a time of great emotional ups and downs, and I hurry toward the ups as quickly as I can.
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