The Hard Thanks

Hello Hatters,

The complexity of life waxes and wanes. Some days are filled with simplicity but most days are not. Even parts of each day can feel overwhelming, exhausting and hard. Truthfully, we have seasons of varying vulnerabilities.

During Thanksgiving, we are asked to count our blessings. Yet, the holidays can be hard when difficult family and friends memories trigger past losses. For me, it’s the loss of my mom and the resulting chaos. Others in my family suffer with financial hardships, failing health, relationship heartaches and other difficulties. Each person‘s experience is different and is not easily understood. Emotions do not display like cookie cutter patterns; it’s more like the chaos of a dump cake that you hope bakes and serves well after exposure to the right time and temperature.

The way through for me, however, is a an emphasis on thanks, especially during hard times. Even if life throws chaos my way, I want to keep on my gratitude hat. Is it easy? No, it is a choice that lifts my perspective. Am I successful each moment? Not hardly, but I am trying. Saying thanks during tough times seems counterintuitive especially in today’s world of constant complaints. It’s more than Pollyanna‘s glad game. It is not backwards thinking. Rather I would say if you try it, you may be propelled to a greater appreciation for things that happen behind the scenes. In any case, I’ve rattled on long enough and I want to say a happy thanks for you stopping by for a chat.

I wish you a thankful and giving week. I’m not cooking this year (my dressing, a specialty, will be missed.) I placed a turkey feast order at a local restaurant. I’m thankful for the option and pray that some health challenges will settle and our families can get together. If not, I’ll have to remember the hard thank you. God knows best.

Hugzzzzzzz,

MT