My Five Reasons to be Thankful This Thanksgiving
Life can be a bitch sometimes, and it's too easy to let the negative drag us down emotionally. But it's Thanksgiving, so I've come up with at least five things I am thankful for in my life today. These are the things I will focus on, rather than letting my mind dwell on the disappointment clouds which strive to block out the sun. Not today.
So, I am thankful for:
1. Hooter the cat, who recently joined our household. I adore his cat self. He lives 100 percent in the moment, full of joy, curiosity, and cat naughtiness.
2. Dancing and everything related to it - my great instructor(s), people I've met at the studio, even the frustration of forcing moves designed for a 30-year old on this MUCH older body.
3. My husband, who is an extremely supportive and caring man. I'm very lucky.
4. My home--just having a home and relative financial security in a time when so many don't have either. This is not something to be taken forgranted.
5. My family --mainly my son and his partner, my adult step-kids who have accepted me into their lives, my close friends, and my companion dog, and all of my interesting and creative extended family members.
When I hear myself complaining about life, I try to remind myself that I don't live in Haiti; my house has never been hit by a tornado or a hurricane; I've never lost a child; I've never been handed any difficulty or pain I wasn't able to handle and work through; I've been cancer free for nine and half years and, while I might look older than I'd like, at least I am still here to age.
Happiness is fleeting and something we were not guaranteed when we signed on to this incarnation; it's up to each of us to find contentment in the life we have been given, not to envy those with more and to try to help those with less, without expecting anything in return.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and hugs all round.
(P. S. This year I am cooking for seven men: some are family, some are friends and one whom I have never met ! It's going to be an interesting day, and I am again thankful that I have a home and enough food to share. )