In other words, don't tell us what you're thankful for, paint a scene that shows us.
I'm not American, but as Writtenwyrdd recently pointed out, taking a moment every day (or throughout the day) to stop and feel thankful is one of the most effective things you can do to pull yourself out of a spiral of negativity.
So here's three things I'm thankful for, shown rather than told:
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1) Several years ago, I was having a patch of ill health, and I got way too skinny. I also had a new boyfriend (who I would eventually marry), and he was obviously a really nice boyfriend because, y'know, I wasn't exactly looking my best at the time.
One day, we were trying a new brand of cranberry juice. I only like cranberry juice if it's sweet enough; if it's tart, the natural bitterness of the berries is pretty offensive to me.
This brand of juice was almost too sugary and also a little watery. My boyfriend asked what I thought of it. I said, "It is sweet; it's just a bit thin."
He smiled and said, "Like you."
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2) My sister has this giggle, an little gurgle of noise that broadcasts delight and is quietly virulent. She doesn't do it often, but when she does, you remember it.
My brother has a smile that's borderline movie star, but shades very noticeably toward imp. It also blooms in an instant, and often.
When my mom laughs, it's from the heart, without reserve, and it gives open invitation to anyone to join her.
When my dad laughs, the sound is quite reserved--but that's okay, because it's the delight on his face that lights the room.
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3) I have no friends who have been 'disappeared' by the secret police. I have never lost a child to leukemia. I've never had a family member killed in a terrorist attack. No one has ever beaten me.
I'm noodling on the internet with a mug of tea and the rain chattering on my windows, and the only thing I have to complain about right this instant is that my nose is runny.
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If you like this idea of "showing" your thanks, please propagate it on your own blog. Also, please add a link to CKHB's post and perhaps the blog of whoever you got the idea most directly from.
6 comments:
Wow, thanks for embracing my idea! I loved what you showed us even more than I loved the Muppets doing Bohemian Rhapsody!
Okay, maybe it's a tie...
Have a very happy thanksgiving.
Hey, thanks for the link! I like the idea of being specific in this manner.
CKHB: Well, it was a very good idea; I hope you don't mind me snitching it.
You have a very happy Thanksgiving also!
Writtenwyrdd: You're quite welcome; that post of yours was excellent and I'm happy to have an excuse to point other people toward it.
Lovely! I especially liked the idea of being grateful for being warm and cozy on the internet with a mug of tea...those little things that we so easily overlook and take for granted. I'm writing a historical and it's really something to learn about the hardships our ancestors endured.
Thank you for everything you do here!
Wowsers,
You know, when you wrote point one, I could hear your voice and "the boyfriend's" voice.
Like bells.
Of course, it helps that I know you both in the real world, or the world where Tarzan, Rush, and Don Ho come together.
We quite miss the two of you, and hope to see you soon. Things are just a bit crazy around here for any planning.
And when you wrote note two, I could imagine the folks in your family, although I have met none of them excepting evisits to Sarf.
Take care,
Tschuess,
Chris
Maureen: Thanks so much, Maureen!
Sepiru Chris: I shudder at the thought of Tarzan, Rush and Don Ho together. I cannot imagine them making beautiful music together. It might even sound worse than that Kentucky Mountain music.
We miss you guys too, and I sorely wish our travel plans included Asia in the near future. Huggles for both of you, and Pommes too, if His Lordship will allow it.
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