BEING THANKFUL

Finally, a holiday that transcends the lines of ethnicity and religion (let’s put aside the trend of big box stores opening on this quintessential American holiday and threatening it’s very existence for a moment), and focuses on the core of who we are as humans—beings who are capable of giving thanks.

Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday simply because I can fully participate without any feelings of something missing. I grew up in a large (I mean huge, not just large by Jewish standards), family with five siblings and dozens of cousins and aunts and uncles. Our Thanksgivings were noisy, chaotic, multi-generational, gastronomical wonders, and quite frankly, a little insane.

On that day I was just like everyone else in our neighborhood. I didn’t have to apologize for not having decorations on our house, I didn’t have to explain that I couldn't eat cake at Sally’s birthday party because it was Passover, I didn’t have to talk about Chanukah and that it really isn't the “Jewish Christmas”, I didn’t have to endure the “Jews killed Christ” comments at school. None of that mattered on Thanksgiving—we were all immigrants in one way or another and we were all thankful for something.

Over the years our traditions have changed, our big, noisy family has evolved. Many of us are now part of interfaith families and we are scattered across the country. Of necessity we have created new traditions. Still, for me, that sense of this being a day that goes to our core values and our ability to give thanks stays with me. It may sound corny and schmaltzy but it still works in my world.

What about you? What core values evoke a sense of thankfulness for you?  How do you want to move forward into this holiday season with the sweetness of being thankful in your heart? Have you considered giving thankfulness a more prominent place in your holiday planning instead of frenetic activity?

Here’s a challenge for you this week:

• Think about the messages you are sending to your loved ones and the toll the holidays take on you each year.
• Then think about whether or not there is a better way of spending the next six weeks.  
• Take a chapter from Shabbat and try unplugging from some of the commotion.
•  Make some active decisions about what you want to pursue rather than doing everything because they are things you have always done or can do.

May your blessings abound and may you be surrounded by loved ones on Thanksgiving. If you find yourself alone this Thanksgiving Day, find a place to volunteer your time and energy. There are many worthwhile organizations that always need an extra pair of hands—hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, Ronald McDonald Houses are a few that come to mind.

And, as always, if you are interested in having a conversation about discovering, clarifying and prioritizing your core values please contact me at www.interfaithlifecoaching.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Margaret