Seven
Extraordinary Reasons to be Thankful
By: Darlene
Arechederra
Ah, so many reasons to be
thankful, today and throughout the year! How many
reasons can you find? I hope they're too numerous to
count. This *potpourri* of thanks touches only the
surface, but you may find yourself nodding in agreement.
Enjoy!
1. Having Elderly Persons in Our Lives
Throughout a lifetime, an elderly person has most likely
been a child, a sibling, a spouse, a parent. Let's not
forget grandparent and great-grandparent.
And, the stories they have tucked away behind that
twinkle in their tired eyes! They carry within them the
emotions and memories of their lives as they unfolded.
They truly have been there, done that.
2. Enjoying the Animal Kingdom
Animals teach us about life, as well as the end of life.
From them, we learn about about responsibility while we
are still young.
Perhaps best of all, animals teach us about
unconditional love. They even comfort us when we're sick
or feeling down. A cold, wet nudge of the nose is often
all it takes to set us back on course.
3. Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
Without an occasional bad day, how could we appreciate
the good? We'd have nothing to compare it to. Even
feeling poorly for a single day can cause us to
appreciate feeling well! We face various challenges as
we travel through life. Some not so bad; others quite
energy draining. Enduring, even.
But, challenges are the crafters of our character. They
mold us into what we will become. Challenges contribute
to that inner strength we sometimes call upon to keep us
going. They teach us endurance, strengthening us for
that next challenge. And, without a doubt, there'll be
another.
4. Being Around Children
How vibrant children are! Consumed with curiosity. Full
of energy! Willing to attempt the seemingly impossible.
Children allow us to remember the joyous and carefree
days of our youth. They carry with them a refreshing
honesty. Children have an innate sweetness that cannot
be disguised (nor duplicated!) They keep us honest and
alert.
5. Appreciating Nature
Even a tree stripped of its leaves in winter is a beauty
to behold. Its naked limbs will gladly support a
winter's snow. In only a short while, it will usher in
the new spring. Another delightful assortment to behold!
Nature represents the beauty and constancy of change.
How boring life would be without change to carry us into
a new season and landscape.
6. Spending Time with Friends, Family and Loved Ones
These gems are the backbone of our society. It's
difficult to imagine life without them. They're as
necessary to us as the air we breathe.
Whether they're a continent away or a block down the
street, they're in our hearts. Friends, family and loved
ones make the world go round.
7. Embracing Technology, Even When It Has an Attitude
Technology has made our lives easier. No need to travel
across the ocean to hear a loved one's voice. We simply
input a few numbers, and presto, we're greeting our
friends and family. Not to mention, some are now only an
email away!
Technology can seem our worst enemy. We come to depend
on it. And just when we need it the most, it gets an
attitude. It gets sensitive, goes berserk, and
frustrates our attempts to use it. Yet, where would we
be without technology?
It's Thanksgiving, a time to share your reasons for
being thankful. Enjoy your time with those you love. May
you be surrounded in warmth, caring and peace during
this season and throughout the year.
Article by:
Darlene Arechederra leads the delightful series, "Coming
Home: A Woman's Journey to One-Income Living." Women of
two-income households who want to find their way back
home from the workplace will enjoy this gentle,
energizing jumpstart. Visit with Darlene at
www.AffordtoStayHome.com/info.htm
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