Being Thankful

This time last year I wrote about having plenty to be thankful for. This year, I want to visit this idea again.  Of course, Thanksgiving always brings to the forefront all the things that I am grateful for..  It is my favorite holiday.  It kicks off the holiday season,  and for me, gives me the pause I need to enter into the sometimes very stressful, yet “the most wonderful time of the year.”  

It is sometimes difficult to take a pause and step back from the daily bumps of raising children who are not neurotypical, especially during the holidays.  Many times it feels like there’s no end to the grind of it all.  It can easily consume every ounce of energy you have.  Wallowing in that mire can easily take over a life.  

I have found myself in that mire.  Somehow though,  through faith, through perseverance, through my family bringing this to my attention, and maybe something inherent within me, I decided that I needed to focus on what I am thankful and grateful for.  Yes, I have a neurodivergent child, but what a gift he is.  There is rarely a boring or dull  moment.  And I’m thankful for that.  He is a loving and giving human.  And I’m thankful for that.  He keeps me on my toes. And I’m thankful for that.  He pushes me to learn and study more about his differences.  And I’m thankful for that.  He is unique.  And I’m thankful for that.  I have resources to help him.  And I’m thankful for that.  He has a wondrous sense of humor.  And I’m thankful for that.  He pushes me to be a better mother and a human being.   And I’m thankful for that.  

This holiday season, I aim to take a pause daily,  breathe and speak aloud what I am thankful for.  Maybe it will become a daily practice,  even after the year comes to an end and a new year begins.  Anyone care to join me?  

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  May it be  filled with friends, family, and a bountiful table.  

“The observance of Thanksgiving Day — as a function — has become general of late years. The Thankfulness is not so general. This is natural. Two-thirds of the nation have always had hard luck and a hard time during the year, and this has a calming effect upon their enthusiasm.”

– Following the Equator

Mark Twain