Reflecting on Thanksgiving

As I reflected on the recent Thanksgiving holiday, I found myself diving deeply into the emotions that arose during this time of year. The crisp air and fluctuating temperatures reminded me of the subtle changes in life—both external and internal. Recently, I had a conversation with my sister-in-law that sparked an unexpected realization: I had the opportunity to reach out to those who left an indelible mark on my heart.

Missing Loved Ones

In the past four years, I lost the physical presence of three significant women in my life—my daughter, eldest sister, and my mom. Their voices, presence, and physical absence are deeply felt, especially as I navigate through moments that evoke memories and emotions tied to them.

Life is Fleeting

During a conversation with a coworker about our recently shared loss of another beautiful human, I was reminded of how fleeting life can be. My brief encounter with this person had a lasting impact on me while we worked in the midst of the same environment. Even brief encounters ignited a desire to live fully and joyfully.

A Wave of Emotions

This holiday season brought forth a wave of emotions that often bubbled to the surface. Joy, peace, sadness, grief, and even a deep sense of gratitude for being alive enough on the inside to feel and be willing to be with it all. I felt compelled to deepen my roots, sit in stillness, embrace mindfulness and meditation randomly, allowing myself to experience these sensations without judgment or expectation. What messages did they hold for me, my wholeness, my wellness? Why do they rise with such vibrancy within me during this season? Embracing this with curiosity became an essential part of my self-care journey and new points of awareness.

Re-igniting Gratitude

Four years ago, November became my month of re-igniting gratitude as more than a ritual—it became a new time of beginning to acknowledge the importance of relationships past and present and the gifts they share with me that support me in this journey. While Thanksgiving does not hold the same significance for me as it once did, due to the pain and suffering of its history, it still served as a reminder of true gratitude and the opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate our connections. For that, I remain truly grateful.

Honoring Memories

As I honor those who passed through my life—their laughter, tears, sense of humor, our shared bond, their unique expressions, abilities, skills, and qualities - I find myself once again experiencing how they continue to enrich my existence. Each relationship is a gift, teaching me about love, endurance, and resilience. I am because they were; we are, and all continue to be.

A Message of Hope

To anyone who may have overlooked the value of their connections, I encourage you to turn inward and reconnect with yourself. Remember the beauty within you and share it with the world. Embrace your unique essence and let it radiate outward. This message is one I share with myself as I begin the new journey of rebuilding a life with severed connections. We all live with and through grievous experiences. We don’t have to do it alone, for we are not alone.

Living in Wholeness

Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey. May we all find peace in our memories and joy in our present moments as we journey into the experience of living in Wholeness.

Life Affirming Practices

A few ways to practice gratitude during the holiday season are to:

Reflect on past and present relationships and the gifts they bring.

Acknowledge the importance of connection.

Gather with loved ones to celebrate.

Honor loved ones who have passed by cherishing memories.

Embrace mindfulness and meditation.

Turn inward and reconnect with yourself.

Share your inner beauty with the world.

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Affirmations to Support Your Gratitude Practice