"Even though we are physically apart, there is no need to feel emotional isolation."

Today we are one week from the start of the “holiday season.” This year looks very different for us, but I am keeping the spirit of the season. As difficult as this year has been, I am taking the Thanksgiving holiday at face value and reflecting on gratitude. I would love to hear the good things that have happened in your 2020 world. Here are a few of mine:

1. I came out of my political turtle shell. I seek out, research, educate myself and look at all sides – good and bad. While I never really cared before, I find myself checking and double checking all the facts so that I can be as educated as possible. I no longer necessarily agree with what my partner, best friend or employer has to say. In doing so, I have found a new voice that I am proud of.
2. I have re-discovered my love of books. Not that it ever went away, but with more time at home I have been able to read more and learn more.
3. I discovered that I need a lot more “me” time than I had previously realized. I now know that my time alone, especially in nature, is precious and a lot of creativity flows in me when I give myself the time and space.
4. This year I started counseling and it is amazing. With every session I have a deeper understanding of myself and the world, as well as another level of kindness and gentleness towards it all.
5. In line with this way of thinking, instead of beating myself up for my faults and mistakes, I have started to simply accept them. I realize that I am now okay with many of them and I know that I can work on the others in my own time and space.
6. My family and friends have remained healthy and safe. I know that it doesn’t have to be this way, and there is no rhyme or reason; so I remain in pure gratitude for every moment.

As a Thanksgiving gift from me to you – I created a mini-gratitude list. (see below)

This could be something to share in person with your family at dinner, or it could also be fun to send to your friends and family and share during a virtual get-together. I’m thinking of giving it to everyone on Thanksgiving morning, then sharing our lists at dinner. Even though we are physically apart, there is no need to feel emotional isolation. I would love to hear how you use it.

Sending you all lots of love on Thanksgiving. If we look a little deeper, I think we can all find the beauty of this year. A pandemic can’t stop the love.

(Copy the image and paste it into a Word document – print it, share it and enjoy!)