Although I write a lot about smiles, I don’t write much about gratitude or being thankful.  That’s not changing ;)  Oh well, I was off to such a good start here, and I blew it…..

Seriously, I know that I have a huge amount to be thankful for.  My entire life has been blessed in many ways.  I had a great childhood with great parents, both of whom are still with us.  I got along with my siblings and still do.  I was never social, but I have had, and still have, good friends.  I had a good education.  I have a good job.  I have had good health.  Still do!  I’ve seen and done a lot of things.  I’ve been to many places.  Had a very wide variety of experiences, many that most people will never have.  I often take these, and all of the other things that I didn’t mention (things, property, etc.) for granted.  I know that is bad and try not to, but I do.  i think we all do.  It is human nature, particularly for those of us who are doing well.  We forget.  or we don’t know.

One day a year we stuff ourselves and talk about being thankful, but we need to be thankful every day.  And we need to go beyond just being thankful.  That is just a starting point.  We need to look at those around us who have less and  try to help.  And I’m not just talking money.  For instance, I have a great relationship with my living parents, so I need to be there to help those around me who have a rotten one, or who did have a great one but their parents are gone.   I don’t mean feeling pity for those who have less.  Is is deeper than that.  It is not looking down, but seeing an equal how happens to have a need.  We all have needs.  Everyone of us.  I do.  You do.  And we should all be there for each other.  We are all in this together.

What I am saying is being grateful should not be a selfish thing.  It should not be about yourself.  Being thankful for what you have, giving gratitude, should be a first step on the road to compassion and then, the best part, to a giving nature,  I am not there yet, but isn’t that the goal of life?  If there is a better one, I’ve never heard of it :)

Anyway, a bit of sappy philosophy on “Turkey Day”.  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

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Notice the tombstones behind the turkeys int he photo at the top of the page?