In everyone’s life, there comes a time when reflection brings enlightenment. Sometimes, this enlightenment highlights events in our lives that we wish had never happened or things we would have changed. But sometimes, as we reflect, we realize something else: thankfulness.
Not everyone has the perfect life. Let’s be honest. Sometimes life serves us some pretty crappy situations. But at other times, it plates up some remarkable experiences as well. We look at it all with human eyes and know that every day will bring us something new to experience – good or bad. So it’s only fair that we take this time when people tend to be a little more emotional, to remember what we are thankful for.
Sometimes, finding thankfulness is difficult when our lives are full of minute-to-minute activities, or bills are piling up, the car needs new brakes, and the family dynamic is dynamic. But, believe it or not, it is when we feel the least thankful that we find our greatest reasons TO BE thankful. It’s not always easy, but here’s the thing. You don’t have to be thankful for BIG things. The world doesn’t depend solely on big things to make the world go round. The little things make it move in a forward direction, like the molecules that make air and water, the fossils that heat the earth, and single-celled organisms that produce photosynthesis, to name a few. So, what small things in your life bring you thankfulness?
To me, the small things are simple and eventually bring me to the big things I should be thankful for. I’m grateful for the soft smiles my husband shares with me in a crowded room, which makes me thankful I have him in my life to share in all that I do. I’m grateful for the nudge of wet noses by my golden retrievers, the endless love and loyalty they show, and their presence that reminds me to take them for a walk and get exercise. I’m thankful for the phone calls from my parents, reminding me of the amazing childhood I had as they played and taught me how to be me. I’m thankful for the video calls from my children and grandchildren, who seek my advice or laugh at my silly stories, reminding me they are the BEST thing I have ever done. You see, it IS the small things that trigger the mind to greater feelings of thankfulness.
In this holiday season, as you scurry around trying to accomplish everything you think you need to do or as you sit lonely in your home feeling sad, remember, there’s a great big world to discover out there, but discovering the small things in your life should be your first grand discovery… as you embrace thankfulness.
I love this I’ve had the same thoughts, though not as eloquent as yours. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for reminding me to be grateful.