“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward
Do you remember learning the Thanksgiving story in grammar school? Did you make one of those construction paper turkeys from an outline of your hand?
We all know that the original Thanksgiving feast was a celebration of survival, friendship and bounty.
Now that we are older and can actually cook a turkey, the feasting probably gets more of our attention than thankfulness does. That’s why it’s good to take a moment to refocus.
The truth is that we are all survivors of harsh personal winters. It is only due to the generous support of others and the gifts of our harvest that we find ourselves in a bountiful autumn.
For all we have received, it isn’t enough just to be thankful. For, what is thankfulness if it is not expressed?
My younger sister reminds me of this again and again, when she sends me a text in the middle of the day just to say she loves me and is thinking of me.
Our daughter wrote her brother, father and I beautiful love letters before she left for college. Reading it brought tears to my eyes and made me immensely proud of the woman she has become.
Their example and writing the Gratitude Gems Series has made me more aware of the importance of expressing my gratitude.
This year, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my very large family. (I am one of nine sisters and brothers, and we have husbands, wives, children, a mother and a new nephew-in-law. We are a very close, high-spirited bunch.)
Will you join me in a Thanksgiving resolution? As you feast this Thanksgiving, make a special effort to express your love and appreciation for those you love and care about. You don’t have to make a speech (see my sister’s text messages.) Just a few heart-felt simple words can go a very long way.
If you celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And a big “THANK YOU” from me to you for joining me here at WhereWeGoNow. I am so grateful for your emails, comments, input and company.
Survival > Existence,
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Comments
Thank you!
Although we don’t officially celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland (how I wish we did), I feel reading your post that I could join in the spirit of celebration with you. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do informing, encouraging and connecting us through your blog.
Thank You!
Marie:
Thank you so much! It’s a pleasure every day to connect and share with all the wonderful people I’ve met through WWGN!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
A small hug will do
It’s lovely that your family can be so open with their emotions. I’ve seen and experienced cases where it’s difficult to say how much you love someone – family, friends, etc . . . but when it comes out, well, it’s quite powerful. (Even through a simple hug.) Great post, and THANK YOU for your always thoughtful blog. ~Catherine
I So Agree!
Catherine:
Well, some of us are more open than others! When words are hard to say, it really is hugging, laughing together and simply enjoying someone’s company that expresses so much. Have a beautiful holiday season!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie