A Different Thanksgiving

As I sit here and ponder the meaning of gratitude, I go through the list of those that I love. The people that add meaning to my life, and for whom I would do anything. My loved ones who have shared many happy moments, and history with me. Then I start to think about all that has enriched my life, and has brought me to being the person I am today, right now. And it dawns on me that I wouldn't be who I am without the hard lessons, the suffering and the tears as well. The joyful experiences have made life worthwhile, but it's the hard knocks of life that help me to appreciate the happy times. I have grown the most in the most hurtful situations, and the difficult moments have forced me to evolve. To evolve into a person who can see the joys and sorrows of life, the successes and failures, and continue on with resilience, dignity, and some sort of grace. I am grateful for each experience, each person, that has marked my life, whether at the time I "labeled" the experience as good or bad. My ego defined it as a happy or sad experience. One that brought me joy or sorrow. Looking back, I realize each experience was just that. An experience. My mind judged and decided if it brought me pleasure or displeasure. Of course I look forward to experiencing more joyful situations, but now I am grateful for the lesson that I need. Whether my mind may perceive it as liking or not liking it. I will live my life fully, in deep gratitude to each person and experience that helps me practice each moment. Thank you to all of you who have brought me joy. But most of all, Thank you to all of you who have made me suffer. I know it is temporary, and joy is just around the corner. But I will not be attached to my minds definitions. I will simply be grateful for the gift of a new experience.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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