5 Things to Be Grateful For
The holiday season is upon us. Last week it was Thanksgiving. I usually spend this holiday with family, but this year I decided to stay home in New Orleans. I went out for Thanksgiving lunch with a friend. I got the meal and didn’t have to cook or clean and there were hardly any leftovers. I spent the rest of the day relaxing and recharging. In this quiet time, I reflected on what I am thankful for.
During this time, some families go around the table and list the people and things they are thankful for. Most start with family, then friends, and good health, their jobs, etc. While I am grateful for all those things and people, there is much more to be thankful for.
Laughter: It is the best medicine! A good laugh can soothe your soul.
Love: What a dreary place this world would be without love... whether it's your family, your friends, your pets, or just the love of life. But the most important thing to love is yourself!
Emotions: Whether it be love, joy, pain, fear, or remorse, being able to recognize these emotions and learning to process them by permitting yourself to feel them is the best lesson there is. While some people only want to feel the good emotions, you cannot truly appreciate the good feelings if you don't experience the bad ones. Working through all of your emotions will make you stronger.
Wisdom: Many people fear getting older and try to hang on to their youth in any way possible. I am thankful for the age I am... I'm lucky to still be on this earth and am proud to be who I am today. I never lie about my age... because with age comes wisdom. I have learned a lot in these 58 years and try to learn something new every day. And I get to be Gramma Tess to two amazing grandkids... what could be better than that?
This moment: Life is lived in this moment, and this moment only; everything else is the past, and the future is unknown. Don't waste your time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. One of my favorite quotes is, "Worrying is like praying for what you don't want." Staying positive is the key.
Live your life with gratitude and see the world differently. Just give it a try!
