Like every morning, the melodic sounds of classic musical that streamed from my alarm clock jolted me into consciousness. I started my ‘here we go again’ mantra, but then unlike my normal jump-out-of bed rush to reality, I turned off the noise and allowed myself to be still and dwell in silence….it’s Thanksgiving Day. 

As my thoughts started to rattle off my to-cook list…coconut cake, sweet potato cobbler, spicy black-eyed peas, and my to-do list…blog, email, bills, I felt an unwanted spirit of urgency, so I swiftly shut if off.  In a split second, I changed my mind. Sometimes that’s all it takes – a  mind shift from the daily grind to daily gratitude.

I started to meditate and thank God for those things I rarely spend time marinating in or truly appreciating. Surely, the wealth of health and well being for myself, my family and friends, among other things, I spiritually decree daily. But those things I simply spiritually shuffle pass with a blind eye, I thankfully embraced,—my sound mind, my fully capable and able body, the warmth of my bed, my safe haven where I turn the key and enjoy the space I share with my children, my family and friends who reciprocally shelter my life with unconditional love, and the list went on and on.

 I changed my mind toward the details of life and the spirit of Thanksgiving came alive. It’s personal.  This American holiday isn’t only about a national ‘story’ (that honestly wasn’t harmonious, but that’s another story) but it is a personal story that you own within your spirit and can authentically share with those who touch your life….today and really everyday.

A giving spirit in word and deed is one that is tremendously blessed. There isn’t just ONE day during the year that we can tap into humanity by lending our time at a shelter serving those less fortunate, or at a communal table with our familes. Both scenarios can be a daily, weekly, monthly ritual that fuels our soul and those of others.

Give, recieve and acknowledge… Happy Thanksgiving!