[Reflect]Thanks and Giving

So, as you should probably be aware if you're an American, Thanksgiving is fast approaching.  There is turkey, stuffing and pie (amongst many other things) to be had for (almost) all.  It's easy to confuse this holiday as a holiday devoted to pure gluttony.  For many people, sadly, that's all it is about.  Not that I'm lessening the importance of pie of all things, but when was the last time you stepped back and truly appreciated what was around you?  I was trying to explain the importance of Thanksgiving to the littlest one (leaving out that bit about Pilgrims and mass genocide) and it occurred to me that something I'm thankful for is the fact that having kids makes me reflect on these things I would otherwise ignore.

I'd also like to give thanks this year for many things.  This year I turned over a new leaf, in a new state (of the Union and of being).  I "started" my life with the best man I could ask for.  I continue to watch my little ones grow and become their own people (even if it becomes increasingly clear their own persons are going to disagree with this person frequently).  Friendships new and old, near and far, have been amazing as I've tried to find a path that I wouldn't lose myself on.  So has family, new and old.  I can't imagine where I'd be without the support of all the wonderful people I know.  I am filled with so much gratitude to know each and every one of you.  Even if it was a passing moment of laughter, that was one more moment of laughter than I had two moments before.  I am thankful for my ability to write and growing audience that it is reaching, as gradually as it may be happening.

The thing I'm most thankful for is my ability to grow and change as a being.  I can't say I've completely let go of my petty jealousies and judgments, but I have tried so very hard to shift that energy to something positive. Things aren't always easy, but that's true of everyone.  I lose sight of this frequently.  It's probably one of the biggest struggles in my life.  I wear masks all the time.  I hate that I'm the kind of person who judges someone on the mask they choose to wear to make it through the day.

Which brings me to the giving part of this blog:
Giving.  We are fundamentally a materialistic sort.  The term giving inevitably brings up thoughts of things.  I am in no way saying that giving in this sense is bad.  It does have the tendency to make us all think that if we don't have much, then we don't have anything to give.  The next time you think this, think about how someone's eyes lit up when you said hello and how are you?  Or think about the look of relief when you waited five extra seconds to hold open for the door for someone with their hands full.

Giving is not inherently the giving of things.  It's also the giving of kindness and gratitude.  And just think how much nicer the world would be if we all gave a little bit more kindness to those we know and those we don't.

Love, light and gratitude to all of you.