Now that the festive fall tablecloth and the tacky turkey
centerpieces have been stowed away, our focus has turned toward the next
holiday. Noticing the quick transition,
it’s made me contemplate Thanksgiving and what it really means to people. It is no doubt a definite time of gratitude
and appreciation and it’s so wonderful that we can acknowledge everyone and all
the good aspects of our lives. Yet do we
turn this thinking off the day after?
And are we ever factoring in ourselves as part of this giving of thanks? By that I mean are we going beyond the
surface level and truly reflecting on our inner being? Have we established self-respect and with
that the understanding that we have the ability to create anything we want?
I realized that it all comes down to choices. They’re the infrastructure that makes up our
lives. From the split second we wake up
in the morning we are given a choice.
Which side of the bed will I get out of?
Should I brush my teeth or shower?
(Let’s hope for both.) Will I
embrace the day with happiness or reject and bring about negativity? Every moment we are given is an opportunity. This freedom can allow us to evolve or become
our own worst enemy.
It’s easy for us to say we’ve been dealt a bad card or
simply can’t do something. This goes back to the idea of inner
gratitude. For example, if you were to
treat one person with disapproval and lack of faith, and another with
encouragement and positivity, which of the two would most likely succeed? The same holds true for us. When we shift our thinking from the constant
put downs and judgments, we open up our minds and hearts, and it gives us the
space and chance to make a self-assured decision. It’s about having trust on this journey and in
yourself and then using that in turn to build confidence.
This doesn’t discount the unfortunate situations that occur
in our lives. We don’t necessarily
choose to have someone rear-end our car or want our supervisor to give us an
urgent assignment at the end of the work day.
We do, however, have the power to choose our reaction and control the
outcome. We can sit and feel sorry for
ourselves and build up the stories in our minds, or we can accept it for what
it is and move forward in a calm, collected manner. It shows character and may even allow you to
radiate a more genuine energy, the kind others what to be around.
As we continue to embrace this joyous season, continue to
extend appreciation and giving, but also take notice of the decisions you make
and the way you are treating yourself.
Explore with kindness, curiosity, and excitement. Are your choices made with a sense of
empowerment or as a means to hide in fear and follow only by the preconceived
notions of others? Regardless, the
outcome shouldn’t be viewed as right or wrong, just as awareness and small
steps to consider for the next situation.
I am grateful for all the aspects of my life; the people
that have inspired me, the earth at my feet, and the body that encompasses my
soul. And I am oh so thankful for the opportunity
and power to be given a choice.
