Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian members!

LaurieLovesLearning

We are living in strange times, to be sure. At the church we attended yesterday, they were discussing that there are still plenty of things to be thankful for even though we do not know what the future holds for any of us. They are right.

They were thankful even though they knew that at any time, authorities might show up at the door. They were expecting them, but they never came. I am thankful for that as it was a lovely service with a number of people who are committed & determined to support one another and any who might need anything in this time. Strong community is important. They feel that it is very important to support each other, and it was certainly an encouragement to my family and myself. We will strongly stand with them as they have been our family's support over the past two years when we can manage to go that direction.

I am also thankful for the beautiful, perfectly tuned nature that I am privileged to experience, for good friends and the freedom we still have in comparison to some other countries. I am thankful for the troubles that I feel are yet to come as they will strengthen and build character that nothing else can. I am thankful for the healing power of herbs and for new life. I am thankful that I am alive yet another day. That is a privilege as well.

What are you thankful for today?

JodieDownUnder

@LaurieLovesLearning I too am thankful for being alive for another day. I try every day to be grateful for the fortunate life I live. Lately I’ve been having trouble with that. I have this nagging, unexplainable “thing” just under the surface. I try to make sense of it, so far I’m at a loss. Not sure if it’s me or external forces. So I’m not going to get caught up in trying to analyse it, I’m just letting it be for now. I am extremely thankful for my partner, family, friends, rain, homegrown food & my health.

LaurieLovesLearning

@JodieDownUnder I really think that that thing that you are feeling is very common right now. If it is what I am thinking, it is an uncomfortable unsettledness, since this current state of affairs is not something that people are meant to experience.

I am glad that you have found things to feel grateful for.

Does Australia have anything similar to Thanksgiving? It is essentially a celebration of the harvest season and being thankful for the bounty.

dipat2005

This is such a needed conversation. We truly do have much to be grateful for and I have heard about keeping a gratefulness journal. I don't do that but my daughter started putting ideas on small pieces of paper and sticking them into a large vase. I love reading the ones I have added to my own jar. I do try to add gratefulness to my prayers each day.

JodieDownUnder

@LaurieLovesLearning no thanksgiving day here. After I wrote to you yesterday, (and I did say I wasn’t going to analyse it!!) I thought more about it. I normally feel loved, healthy (physically & mentally) safe and confident. With those 4 things I power through my days, feeling grateful & happy. Then I realised that I don’t feel so safe & confident. Disappointment in govt, other people’s bad behaviour, pessimistic news. I felt like withdrawing, just hibernate in my bolt hole and stick my head out occasionally. BUT I’m not going to do that because I cannot control what people say and do and I will not take responsibility for other peoples behaviour or actions. I forgot for a week or two not to take that stuff on board and needed a reminder! I like to call it an attitude adjustment. Gee I wish I could do that to a few more!!

As @dipat2005 says, this is a much needed conversation and thank you Laurie for starting it. Strange, unprecedented times but there are good people in this world and that I will remember.

LaurieLovesLearning

@JodieDownUnder That is a very normal reaction to everything right now, even for the strongest & most determined of us out there. Sometimes that is a strong indicator that we need a break...away from what has caused that stress. That is also why we need to be proactive in maintaining a supportive community. We need each other, not just virtually, but in person as well. We should determine not to be divided nor devisive and make sure that we are available for each other. It is of top importance.

I read not long ago some stories of some people who each had determined to end their life. Nobody knew, they said. They gave no indicators to anyone, but continued smiling and pretending. I have heard that those who have everything planned out will in fact feel more at peace as they finally feel in control...but it is not a good nor safe peace. This is becoming more common too.

It sends chills down my spine and makes me very sad to hear these stories. I don't want to be the last one someone has a bad interaction with...whether I know them or not. I try to make a difference in people's lives, even just if it is a simple smile in passing. You usually don't know what another is going through or has just experienced. Not many who are needing support will tell you, but rather, they hide their troubles for whatever reason.

These types of stories serve as a reminder to me to remain kind and observant, be fair, be generous & hospitable, remain available, smile at others, let them know that I am willing to listen if they ever need it, & to always be respectful. It helps as well if I can keep a right focus.

You know how I've been. I don't always handle stresses very well, and all too often find that I need the support of others. I would like to think of myself as strong & determined, but truthfully, I am not that strong. I do recognize the importance of others to keep me grounded, give positive encouragement, & some...to be an example for me to try to pattern. I am thankful for that opportunity too.

I don't listen to the mainstream news...and that has been good as there have been (now openly exposed) propaganda experiments going on widespread in our country. It's no wonder people are so messed up here! Be careful what you listen to and question the validity. It pays, especially now, to scrutinize everything claiming truth above all else. Remember that everything affects us whether it is true or not.

I do keep up with what is going on, to be sure, but recognize that focusing on that which is good, pure, upright, etc. is much better and will keep my focus & mental & spiritual health where it should be. I need balance.

I need reminders too, so this Sunday was a perfectly timed one. I even was treated to a surprise birthday party (my birthday had already passed). I am very grateful that there are still kind & caring people surrounding me that I can count on.

I am here if ever you need someone to listen, Jodie. That goes for any of our other members here too. My pm is always open to each one.