What are you thankful for?

For the upcoming Canadian thanksgiving – on Monday 14^th of October, it occurred to me for the first time, to pause for an instant, celebrate the day with my family and be thankful for what I have.  You see, thanksgiving is one of those western traditions I had never bothered to get into its spirit, never really identified with over the past three decades in my second home country Canada.   This year seemed different in that I felt the need to cling on to something – ceremonially and symbolically I suppose – to express my gratitude.

No, I did not win the lottery, nor tumbled over youth formula! On the contrary, over the past few years I have lost several beloved companions, in addition to waking up to a nasty surprise (of health  nature for me and people I love or care about) almost regularly.  Feeling prone to disaster and finding no consolation in complaint and anxiety, I decided to focus on the things I have: I found ample to share from within; plenty to behold from without.

I am grateful for the people I have known, befriended and loved, as their goodness continues to live within me even though some of them no longer live.

I am grateful for living with a man I love and for the love I get.

I am grateful for the two pets I had and cherished, as their lavish love gave me a joy I would have never known otherwise.

I am grateful for the health of my family members; and for my own – whatever remains of it!

I am grateful for the freedom my country provides me with; for the warmth and quiet of my home; for the food; and for the clean blankets!

I am thankful for the mead & meat, for my wisdom and wit!

I am grateful for having more weakness than wickedness, and so very proud and thankful for not having too much a share of vanity, insincerity and hatred.

Think of all the big and small things you are thankful for and have a wonderful thanksgiving day!