Passionate Theme of the Day: Gratitude

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” ~Meister Eckhart

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ~E.P. Powell

“For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ahhh…the amazing day of feast and friends and family. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I know it causes a lot of stress and anxiety for many. But I love the food, the wine, the football, the hanging out in the family room and just vegging out. My plan on Thanksgiving is to have no plans and to allow the day to unfold before me.

This year I’m looking forward to playing with my niece, attempting to make my step-mom’s sweet potato casserole (I’m not a big cook), eating the yummy food we all bring to the table, sipping on my favorite red wine, lounging around after dinner and the opportunity to share this day with my sister’s family and most of all spending some hang time with my mom.

Many of you are aware that recent times have been challenging with my mom. I’m happy to report that things are back to a steady level of respect on both of our parts and that she is healthy and seems relatively happy (amazing what the right medication and a safe, healing environment…my house…can do).

I make an effort to walk in a state of gratitude each and every day, but this Thanksgiving I’m gonna be drunk with joy a little more than usual. Interesting that it can take a crisis (or close enough to one) to really make us reflect back on how lucky, healthy, and abundant we are.

This year I am grateful for:

~Support of amazing friends (both near & far)
~Phone and internet to connect me with those amazing people (some I’ve never actually met in real life, but have supported me more than they probably know!)
~The blogoshpere and all my online buddies & the wisdom and guidance of the many powerful writers that openly, and freely share their insights
~Music that has helped pull me out of funky times & given me strength (Kanye West) during trying times
~Books (Eat, Pray, Love)
~Movies that have provided a safe escape from “reality” (whatever that is) when I needed a little breather from my own
~My niece Alyssa & her 3 yr. old light, intuition & wisdom (she is my guru!)
~My mom’s health, smile, love & safe return home
~My dad & Sue’s support of my endeavors
~My creativity
~My quirkiness
~My joy
~Chance & Trixie & smelly doggy-kisses
~Coach Mary & my bootcamp beauties
~Sanctuary of a home
~Safe car to drive
~Surprises
~Connection to ALL that is
~Love
~Peace

Thanks to all that comment and all those who don’t. I appreciate you reading my words and the opportunity to connect with you.

I’d love to hear what YOU are grateful for this year, as we take this day to reflect upon the near ending of yet another year.

What made you so happy you cried? What moved you to silence? What shook you so hard you thought you’d never bounce back…and then did? What little itty-bitty kindness turned around your day? Week? Month? Life?

Drop some comments and share a piece of your Gratitude Pie…I can’t wait for a nibble!

Eat, drink (or not), be merry and love well…

In gratitude,
Kam