by Dawn Smith-Pfeifer
Covid is still a threat, everything seems to be in short supply or costs a lot more. We feel stressed out and angry. Overworked and tired.
Most of the time, our first reaction is to complain. But what if instead of "having to" we "get to." It's a very real, concrete way to change your mindset.
I don't HAVE to plan a meal for Thanksgiving. I GET to, because I have a family who will get together on that day and enjoy each other's company.
I don't HAVE to go grocery shopping. I GET to, which means I have money, transportation and a grocery store to do my shopping.
I don't HAVE to clean my house. I GET to, because I have a roof over my head and people and critters in it to mess it up.
I think you GET (See what I did there?) the idea.
Everyone has struggles. Everyone has blessings. Everyone can be self-absorved. But we can also say, "What if today I don't ask, 'What's in it for me?' but rather, 'What can I do for you?' " It's the quickest way to get out of our me-centered heads and really appreciate all we truly do have.
Hug your family. Hug your pet. Live for today. Breathe deeply and gratefully! This is life. And this Thanksgiving, I hope to really take that to heart and remind myself each and every day is a gift to be thankful for.
Smith-Pfeifer is the editor for On Your Table.