What Are You Thankful For?

We have a holiday of sorts coming up this week. I always found Thanksgiving to be kinda weird. I was always glad to have a reason for our family to get together and do something special, but didn't quite buy the historical reasons for this 'great celebration'. I wondered how the nice unsuspecting indigenous people could be so generous and come together with the latest 'visitors' (for I don't think the Europeans were the only ones to come to the Americas) only to be slaughtered later on. That Pocahontas mythology also doesn't quite jibe. The saying goes that history is created by the victors. 

Anyhoo, so many of us may be feeling a little less carefree this year despite doing everything possible to change the outcome and have to find a way to keep striving. So I think reminding ourselves of every little thing that we do have that's good, that's kind, that's loving and that's here right now will do us good. 

Can you name 5 things that you are grateful for right now? Don't think of 5 pat answers while smirking either. NO snark allowed. 

1. I had a great conversation with my mother on Saturday. 

2. I've received solid words of encouragement about my writing.

3. I am renewing my mind and taking actions that support growth.

4. I am living on less these days but I am independent and free to make choices.

5. I am looking forward to the following year and can't wait to see how things unfold. 

**6. I loved last night's prequel episode of 24. I am glad this season will focus on child soldiers being recruited by numerous militias in African countries, the US gov't involvement and all the other accompanying conflicts. Even though it's a tv show millions of people who might not have otherwise thought about these things are having their consciousness raised. Combined with the unprecedented involvement in all things political this past year, I think it would be an opportune time to shine a light on this and make some very needed change happen!

Enjoy your day!