A second helping of Thanksgiving

I just returned from my second Thanksgiving dinner.  This one was extra special (not that my immediate family one wasn't).  It was held today because two of my friends couldn't be here Thursday.  They were on their way back from Afghanistan.
We were a mixed group - some immediate family of the young couple (I've known the young woman since she was born), some close family friends.  But we all shared how incredibly grateful we were for their safe return and the fact that they willingly gave up several months of their lives to be there as Americans. 

It's too easy sometimes to forget the sacrifices others make while we sit safely at home, often complaining about the most mundane things.  Despite tough times, most of us still have much to be grateful for here.  But over there, things were much more challenging.  From long hours, to dust storms, to uncooked food, to being far from home, life wasn't that pleasant for them.  But they did it.

What are we willing to do?  Are we willing to give something up to help others who we'll never even see?  Or are we too absorbed in our Black Friday shopping and constant wish for more?  Have we forgotten the simple pleasures we get to experience almost at will?  Real food?  A comfy bed?  Electricity?

On the way home, I heard a little of "60 Minutes" where they were saying that something like 16 million children are homeless and living in cars, motels, outside.  I believe that as Americans, it's time we all stepped up a bit and gave more of our time, our money, our possessions to give a lift to those who truly need it.

As the Christmas holiday season begins this Thanksgiving weekend, let's all try to go above and beyond and lend a hand to those who need it.  And a big thanks to Cassie and Chris who make me proud to be an American.  Unlike the celebrities and athletes who are splashed across the media for doing things that are often not particularly commendable, these two airmen like many other service men and women across the country deserve our deep appreciation.  I'm so honored to know you both.

A time for gratitude and kindness this Thanksgiving season

What to write about this week?  Seems the logical thing would be gratitude since we're only two days away from Thanksgiving.  But I write about that often.  I think we need to focus on gratitude daily not just once a year so I won't write about that.

How about kindness? I write about that a lot too.  Something that I believe we ought to practice daily as well.  I love one of Wayne Dyer's comments about kindness which might be helpful as families gather this Thanksgiving.  To paraphrase the good Dr. Dyer, he says that given a choice of being right or being kind, choose to be kind.  So when that talkative relative needs to be right on some issue this Thursday, let them be.  If they're really insistent about being right, they must really need the feeling, so choose kindness and let them have it or else you could end up in a fight and really let them have it! 

How about slowing down and being in the moment?  Probably wrote about that sometime too but there's something to be said about paying a little bit more attention to what we're doing whether it's making a favorite recipe, interacting with someone at a store, or driving on a last minute errand.  Slowing down mentally (and for some, that includes on the road) might give us the breathing space we need at this hectic time to be think about the gratitude and the kindness, to leave space to enjoy all that comes with a big holiday.

I hope to do all of the above this Thanksgiving week- to slow down, pay attention to those around me, look for things to be grateful for (and despite the challenging times, there's still plenty), to be kind.  To remember those we lost this year who we miss dearly, to cherish the ones who remain.  To enjoy the good food (I don't have to cook so I know it will be good!), the stories, the games, the laughter..

I wish the same and more for you!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

One year ago today...

I got an early text from my wonderful cousin Valerie this morning wishing me "Happy Oprah Anniversary!"  An unusual greeting for most people but for us, it has special meaning because one year ago today we were lucky enough to be in the audience for the last "Favorite Things" on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  (We're the 2 in the upper left)

So yes, we got a whole bunch of things and even better memories of our time with Oprah and her incredible staff.  But what I want to focus on most today is that we can't predict when a wonderful experience is just around the corner (same is true for negative ones but who wants to think or worry about those?). 

My cousin got the invitation for the show unexpectedly.  Yes, she had submitted information to the show in hopes of being invited but the chances are so slim.  And we almost didn't go because she was scheduled to babysit her grandson.  We had no idea what it would be about...but we did have a sneaking suspicion that it was going to be Favorite Things..  

If you're dragging yourself around in these challenging times, if you're bemoaning the lack of sunlight on these shortened days (dark at 4:30 pm - really??), if you're dealing with a difficult situation of some sort, how about opening your mind to the possibility that something great and unexpected is about to happen for you?  Rather than asking yourself a question like, "Why does everything bad happen to me?" or saying "This is going to be a horrible day", consider asking, "What great thing is going to happen next?"

I know this sounds simplistic and somewhat impossible perhaps, but I've had great luck with choosing to say something positive and have it followed by things working out pretty well.  From parking spaces to people I haven't seen in a long time to Oprah's Favorite Things (which I have to admit I hoped for once we got invited), good things have come my way on a pretty regular basis.  And I believe the same can happen for you...  Whether they happen or not, sure beats choosing to focus on all the negativity and worry.   

If you could use an in-person positive boost, please join me at one of my local free one hour seminars - "How to Thrive in Rocky Times" .  Space is limited so sign up early. Great break from the craziness of the holiday season.  Ideal for whole families, ages 13 and up!