It’s Thanksgiving week here in the US and that means that gratitude and thankfulness are on my mind. To be perfectly honest, it can be a challenge to find those emotions given the current state of affairs . . . the pandemic and unvaccinated people, the acquittal of people who deserve to be convicted, the divisiveness in congress that trickles down to our own communities, the loss of women’s rights and so much more. It’s hard and sometimes what I need to do is take a step away from all of the things going on in the world and remember the good that is in my own small world. And please know that I realize the privilege I have in just being able to take that step back.
All of this is to say that on Saturday I celebrated Friendsgiving with my circle of friends. Kim and Ken came down to stay with us overnight and then we gathered at Sean and Michael’s. We ate fabulous food (I honestly can’t remember the last time I had mashed potatoes and gravy which made it taste all the better) and we told stories and we caught up and we remembered how last year we didn’t get the chance to be together. It was a really special afternoon and evening and I’m not just saying that because there was chocolate cream pie. We talked about all of the problems of the world I alluded to above and agreed that if we were in charge we would fix it all.
I came home with a full belly and a heart overflowing with love and I realized that gratitude is always within my grasp if I truly look for it. I hope you feel the same way.
This is exactly what I needed to read to start my week. Thank you for reminding me that there are things to be thankful for… even when finding them seems, at times, impossible.
I hear you, Carole! There is so much that is wrong with the world right now, and I think we all wish that things were better for everyone. But there are things to be grateful for if only you look for them.
And darn, now I’m craving chocolate cream pie!
How lovely to gather with friends, and I wish you could fix all the problems. Maybe it’s just because I’m getting older, but it seems necessary to still carry the sadness of all the serious issues at the same time we are looking for and feeling gratitude.
I am with you in looking for the balance (and recognizing the privilege to do even that). I don’t want to lose awareness of the world around me but I also want to celebrate that we will be gathered around a table instead of in the driveway. Good way to start the week.
I’m so glad you had such a great time celebrating with friends! It sounds just wonderful, Carole. And I think it’s always helpful to turn inward when “life” just gets too overwhelming. XOXO
Thank you, for making me realize that I am not the only one feeling the way I do. I am not alone and I have so much to be grateful for. I am trying to hold onto that gratitude. I’m trying to reach out to help those less fortunate and trying to go into the holiday season with a bit more joy.
I really needed this. I was starting the roll into hopelessness this morning and then I read your post. I’m headed in a new direction now. Thank you for taking the time to put your words here!
You said it perfectly. We are all in a state of privilege and I personally feel I don’t need to look far to find beauty and gratitude. Peace and joy be with you, Carole.
Glad you were able to celebrate together Carole. I agree with you regarding the state of things and even more horror on the news this morning. We are so privileged and grateful to be able to look around and find happiness.
I think you said it so well, Carole. We have to find balance in the love and comfort of friends and family. I’m glad you had a wonderful, overdue time with friends. I hope it’s not too long before you can do it again.
Great post. Grateful for what we have. Determined to make things better for other/all.
happy sigh. yes. gatherings like that are what make life worth doing! (and playing catch up after a crazy week, but wanted to share my six-words – Loved much, Laughed often, Asked questions – and loving that I could make the rest of my life living that out. so thank you!!)
We had such a wonderful time visiting with everyone on Saturday, but even more, spending time to talk to you without the usual distractions, other than 2 sweet kittens.
We love you guys!??
Beautifully said…..friends and family bring much needed happiness in this crazy world.