Give Thanks

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I felt it would only be appropriate to fiddle around with the subject.  I’ve always considered myself a ‘thankful’ person, often putting the needs of others before my own, and expecting little in return.  I carefully remind myself daily to acknowledge the blessings I have in my life, rather than dwell on all the broken and missing pieces.  Trust me, I am as human as the next person.  Like you, I frequently fall into the trap of negative thinking when it seems everything is plummeting down on me at the exact same moment in time.  In a sense, I’ve often viewed my life as a Shakespearean ‘Comedy of Errors,’ only no one, including me, understands the humor.

 

Many of you would never suspect it, but I have struggled with depression most of my life.  I trace it back to around twelve years old when I first noticed it.  It took several years to diagnose, and many more to successfully treat it.  I have no family history of depression, no sad story of abuse or neglect, and no abandonment or desertion issues.  I come from an ideal family, with loving parents married for forty years, and two of the most amazing brothers anyone could possibly ever dream of.  So, what could I possibly be depressed about…especially at twelve years old?

 

I have spent many years of my adolescent and adult life trying to answer this question.  I can hardly know if there is a ‘correct’ answer here, but I think it has to do with being more aware than the average person.  If you’ve heard the expression, “Wearing your heart on your sleeve,” imagine wearing your heart, soul, hopes, and dreams in the same spot.  It gets fairly crowded there and unfortunately, this unique set of attributes often makes you an unsuspecting and easy target for life’s frequent misfires.  I have been nailed too many times to count.  Nevertheless, I’ve learned from every wound and battle scar, even if it was often in retrospect.  I believe the most valuable and precious thing I’ve learned is this…

 

Be thankful for the blessings in your life, whether great or small.  Often the greatest gifts come in the smallest packages.  Show love, kindness and gratitude to everyone, even when your gut instinct doesn’t want you to.  In giving, you will receive.  In loving, you will be loved.  Learn from the past, but do not let it dictate the course of your future.  As Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”  Be willing to risk in order to gain the reward.  Take a leap of faith despite how firmly your feet may be planted.

 

After thirty-five years, I am going to attempt this for the first time in my life.  I may sink or I may swim, but I will appreciate the journey and those who have brought sunshine to my pathway along the way.

 

Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving,

Mozziestar 

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

– Albert Schweitzer

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”

– Brian Tracy

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

– Marcel Proust

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.”

– Ralph Marston