I had a day spent with family, but I didn't feel like recording it for all to see on social media, so did it even happen? It was an odd mix of wanting to keep to myself on Thanksgiving and yet wanting to 'fit in' with everybody else. Thank you for reminding me that there is no right way to spend the day. I love you.
Such a weird world we live in with the pressure to record our intimate family moments. I love you too, my friend. So glad to know you were able to relax and enjoy the down time this year.
I find this so poignant. Last year I spent the day by myself. I was not invited anywhere. I woke up so sad. But ended up having a soft restorative day once I was able to let go of that cultural expectation of family around the table.
That is the thing we feel more than anything on designated holidays, isn't it? The cultural expectation. The media images of the way it's supposed to be letting us know that alone should equal lonely. It takes a minute to shift from that and realize the day is a gift.
A day that is given as a reflection is a blessing for sure. The stages we grow through and life's hap-hazard swings that keep us aware. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us- always enlightening and always full of insights that are energizing. Sometimes it's hard to be alone because we only have ourselves to argue with - HA! But it's a learning process for sure and a gift to be able to share some of your reflections--thank you and enjoy your up coming gathering.
Thank you for putting words to what I’ve been feeling all day but haven’t verbalized. For the last 11 years it’s just been the 2 of us with a year when we had new friends over (2019 so the following year we didn’t gather). Many memories of spending holidays with my parents, still using my dad’s electric knife to cut the turkey & remembering the fun traditions we had built up over the years. This year I’ve been sick all week and today’s my birthday, which gets forgotten in the turkey hubbub, and I’m not really into any of it. But I cooked the essentials so hubby would have leftovers. I even had a few bites although being sick made it tasteless & hard to swallow with a very sore throat. But I realize how grateful I am just to have a day like this with good food and love from my hubby & fur kids in a home thati love. Things could be much worse, circumstances could be very different, I could feel very sorry for myself. But I chose to use that energy in a positive way instead just like you have. Tomorrow will be another day, the holiday forgotten & life will be as usual.
Taking time and using thoughtful energy to write this beautiful piece celebrating our interconnected humanity on this or any day is giving sustanence to any person who might be feeling alienated from the poster for Thanksgiving Bliss.
We are conditioned to dread spending fall and winter holidays alone. Taking this time to rest, repair and/or rejuvenate our body and soul is worthy work. I am grateful for waking up and finding your honest feelings set out to benefit yourself and others. Although distant in time and space
I celebrate your words today in thanksgiving. Small t. Savor your solitude
I had a day spent with family, but I didn't feel like recording it for all to see on social media, so did it even happen? It was an odd mix of wanting to keep to myself on Thanksgiving and yet wanting to 'fit in' with everybody else. Thank you for reminding me that there is no right way to spend the day. I love you.
Such a weird world we live in with the pressure to record our intimate family moments. I love you too, my friend. So glad to know you were able to relax and enjoy the down time this year.
I find this so poignant. Last year I spent the day by myself. I was not invited anywhere. I woke up so sad. But ended up having a soft restorative day once I was able to let go of that cultural expectation of family around the table.
That is the thing we feel more than anything on designated holidays, isn't it? The cultural expectation. The media images of the way it's supposed to be letting us know that alone should equal lonely. It takes a minute to shift from that and realize the day is a gift.
A day that is given as a reflection is a blessing for sure. The stages we grow through and life's hap-hazard swings that keep us aware. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us- always enlightening and always full of insights that are energizing. Sometimes it's hard to be alone because we only have ourselves to argue with - HA! But it's a learning process for sure and a gift to be able to share some of your reflections--thank you and enjoy your up coming gathering.
thanks Sally!
Thank you for putting words to what I’ve been feeling all day but haven’t verbalized. For the last 11 years it’s just been the 2 of us with a year when we had new friends over (2019 so the following year we didn’t gather). Many memories of spending holidays with my parents, still using my dad’s electric knife to cut the turkey & remembering the fun traditions we had built up over the years. This year I’ve been sick all week and today’s my birthday, which gets forgotten in the turkey hubbub, and I’m not really into any of it. But I cooked the essentials so hubby would have leftovers. I even had a few bites although being sick made it tasteless & hard to swallow with a very sore throat. But I realize how grateful I am just to have a day like this with good food and love from my hubby & fur kids in a home thati love. Things could be much worse, circumstances could be very different, I could feel very sorry for myself. But I chose to use that energy in a positive way instead just like you have. Tomorrow will be another day, the holiday forgotten & life will be as usual.
So glad to know you are on the mend now Lisa. Thanks for sharing those memories. I love how these random objects can hold so many stories.
Taking time and using thoughtful energy to write this beautiful piece celebrating our interconnected humanity on this or any day is giving sustanence to any person who might be feeling alienated from the poster for Thanksgiving Bliss.
We are conditioned to dread spending fall and winter holidays alone. Taking this time to rest, repair and/or rejuvenate our body and soul is worthy work. I am grateful for waking up and finding your honest feelings set out to benefit yourself and others. Although distant in time and space
I celebrate your words today in thanksgiving. Small t. Savor your solitude
Thanks Suzanne. I'll savor your words in thanksgiving as well.