Connection: the invisible thread that weaves through the tapestry of our lives, binding us to the people who matter most. As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the impact of these connections, especially with my friends and family.
Reminiscing on Thanksgiving…I must have been about five or six years old and was visiting my grandparents for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t resist the smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie cooling in the kitchen, so I stuck my finger in the middle of the pumpkin pie to sample it when no one was looking. Later my grandmother shouted from the kitchen, ”Who put their finger in the pie?” and I didn’t fess up. Now that I’m a mature, sensible adult, I realize, why wait to eat the best part of Thanksgiving dinner when you’re too full to enjoy it? Now my family always eats pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving Day breakfast, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped crystallized ginger alongside a mug of coffee. Pure heaven!
My mother shared another Thanksgiving memory. One snowy evening on the way to my grandparent’s house, my mom was driving on Highway 41 to Green Bay when the van ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Miraculously, right across on the southbound side of the highway was a tiny old-fashioned gas station with two pumps. My dad ran across the divide, knee-deep in snow, and got a gallon of gas in a can. It was incredible luck! We made it to my grandparents’ home in time for dinner. (This may have been the same trip when I stuck my finger in the pie).
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to deepen our connection to friends and family.
It’s a time to express our appreciation, not just for the food on the table, but for the people that gather around it, and the abundance in our lives. Thanksgiving reminds us that abundance comes in many forms. It’s not just about the feast on the table, but the love shared around it. It’s the laughter of family and friends, the stories exchanged, and the joy of being together.
Gratitude: The Key to a Happy Thanksgiving
When we consciously cultivate gratitude, we invite happiness into our lives. Research shows that practicing gratitude leads to a host of positive effects on our mental and physical well-being. It reduces stress, improves sleep, and strengthens our immune system. And, it enhances our relationships, strengthening our connections and making us more empathetic and compassionate.
Express your gratitude not just with words, but with actions. Every year I honor my friends with a big turkey dinner, but this year, I’ll be recovering from hip surgery and unable to host a dinner for 24 people. Thankfully, one of my dearest friends stepped up to the plate and invited me and a group of friends to her house for a weekend getaway at the seaside. I’m very grateful for the deep friendships I have and count these as the real treasures in my life. Friends who have stood by me in times of trouble, who make me laugh and love me no matter what.
A Thanksgiving Mindset
Here are some simple practices to infuse your Thanksgiving with an extra dose of happiness:
Start a Gratitude Journal: Take a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re thankful for. This practice can help shift your focus towards positivity and joy.
Share Your Thanks: Express your gratitude to those who enrich your life. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ can brighten someone’s day and strengthen your connection.
Mindful Moments: During the Thanksgiving festivities, be present. Savor each bite, cherish each conversation, and relish the joy of the moment.
Acts of Kindness: Extend your gratitude beyond words. Engage in random acts of kindness to spread happiness to others.
This Thanksgiving, let happiness guide you. Start your daily gratitude practice, and watch as it transforms your perspective on life. After all, happiness is not about having everything you want; it’s about appreciating everything you have.
Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, true connection and an abundance of happiness!
