Thank-full

Thank-full. [Clean]

It's 6:00. And aside from the dogs I'm the only one awake.

I'm wrapped in an afghan that my grandma knitted for me and tucked into my hope chest when I was small.

I used to spread it out on the floor by her chair and lay down on it, imagining what my life might look like when it was finally mine.

And you know, I never pictured this.

But I did picture happiness and motherhood and an authentic life all my own, so there you go.

 

And I'm remembering her and every Thanksgiving we spent at her house alongside the Wolf River.

We'd cook and laugh and set the table all fancy like, waiting for the deer hunters to come in from the woods.

She's been gone for years.

So have all of my grandparents.

And I'm blessed by all that time that we had together.

 

It's dark and quiet in the valley and despite having had a rocky two weeks, I'm overwhelmed by gratitude.

Because my troubles are minuscule.

And my blessings are vast.

My life is a gift.

 

Every. Single. Day.

 

And here I am, unwrapping another present of now beneath the brightening sky.

How did I get so lucky?

 

Will you join me in a simple action?

Because I know for many, holidays can be rocky.

There are old stories that come up, and big feelings with them.

There is a lot going on and sometimes we lose ourselves in the mess and forget to see the beauty.

 

So let us keep today in perspective.

 

To roll with the bumps that inevitably will come.

 

To breathe. Just breathe.

 

To be graceful, forgiving, accepting, and kind.

 

To give ourselves and our parents and our partners and our siblings the same grace that we strive to give our children. Undertsanding. Acceptance. Patience. Love.

 

To open our hearts and our minds and truly notice all there is to be thankful for.

 

Let's rock this day in a more real and beautiful way than ever before.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.

You're on my thankful list.

 

Love,

Rachel

Edited to add: In case you need it, here are some other words to keep your rolling in a brilliant direction today:

Because it's Thanksgving and You're Online (Beth is brilliant and this is spot on.)

Behold The Power of Cropping (Just in case you need this remider today.)

 

14 thoughts on “Thank-full”

  1. Karen says:
    Reply

    Wishing you a joy-filled day.
    I have to say that living in Canada this day was celebrated over a month and a half ago….it is so great to come here and remember and be thankful with a purpose all over again.
    xo

  4. Michelle says:
    Reply

    I think a lot of people come here for a daily dose of “feel good”. I will say it for all of us. We are thankful that you put into words what we need to hear. Especially the gratitude part for me. I, like you, am a very positive person and I always look on the bright side of things and you still inspire me with your wisdom and insight. 🙂 Happy day to you.

  9. Sam M. says:
    Reply

    Not only did I need this today…but so did my family. I shared this over breakfast and there was not a dry eye at the table. Your words gave my family a little extra motivation to get through our difficult time. I am adding you to my grateful list Rachel.

  12. Hannah says:
    Reply

    Thanks for taking the time to share this. I’m going through a particularly difficult time right now, and it’s good to be reminded that everyone struggles, and there is still so much to be grateful for. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from the hard times and fully enjoy the good ones. It seems important to be grateful for all of it. Enjoy your day and thanks again for the positive reminder!

  13. Karen C says:
    Reply

    Thank you, Rachel. I’m trying my best to keep a smile on my face and be the person I want to be despite all the family drama that is in my house today. Love and light to you and your family.

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