Finding The True Thanks of Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to give thanks. Most of us are pretty good at that. We can usually always find people and situations in life that inspire us to be grateful. Until certain relatives show up for Thanksgiving dinner. Or the supposed friends you wish you hadn’t invited but felt obliged to decide to come. Yup, those.

You know, the ones who talk non-stop, or the ones who expect to be entertained, catered to, and generally treated like royalty while you run around madly trying to satisfy their every inconsiderate whim. Or those who insist on ‘helping’ which usually means creating a mess you have to clean up. Or those who adore their squabbling, noisy children intent on breaking your favorite decoration or pulling the cat’s tail. Etcetera . . .

What to do? Well, you have a choice. I’m reminded of a wonderful video of a severely disabled puppy, completely unaware of his spastic meanderings, and whose human family not only were completely accepting of his disability (with which he coped admirably) but who had only praise for his resilience and courage. Wow. I was so impressed, not just with the dog, but with the family’s attitude.

Could we perhaps adopt a similar attitude when faced with those around our Thanksgiving table? Could we perhaps pay as little attention as possible to their inconvenient foibles, and just be grateful for their unique gifts? After all, talkers usually have something of interest to you buried somewhere in all that blather and don’t require more than the occasional “oh really” or “how nice” to make them happy.

Your Aunt Gertrude expects the royal treatment: well, she doesn’t disrupt anything, she just sits there contentedly once you’ve brought her that special cup of Oolong tea. She’s actually a great example of self-care. OK, taken to the extreme, but still, an example you can learn from.

Children’s energy can be channeled into something other than wanton destruction of decorations or annoying the cat: plan ahead to provide them with games so that you can enjoy their natural exuberance rather than fear it.

There really is something to appreciate in every human being (actually every being) you encounter. Make this a truly memorable and wonderful Thanksgiving by looking for that something in every one of your friends and relatives. You will be all the richer for it.

 

Mindless Reaction or Mindful Choice?, Episode 76

It’s so easy to have negative knee-jerk reactions to events in our day, which more often than not lead to a generally angry/irritated disposition for the whole day. Who needs that?  In this podcast, with hardly any effort at all, you’ll discover how to make mindful choices rather than oblivious reactions. With that, you can enjoy a pleasing rest of your day instead of an irritated, angry one.

https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.NoelleNelsonUp

Check out this latest episode!

The Joy of Meaningfulness, Episode 75

Too often we go about our days by rote, never really looking at the why, as in “what’s it all about and why am I doing this anyway?” which too often lead to a profound sense of uselessness, of meaninglessness.  In this podcast you’ll explore in specifics how you might be able to find the value and meaning in your everyday activities, which in turn can lead to much more personal life-satisfaction.

https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.NoelleNelsonUp

Check out this latest episode!

The Things You Want Versus The Life You Want To Live

 

It’s a funny thing about life. Sometimes when you get the things you wanted – the sporty car, the big house, the bling – it turns out they interfere with the life that you wanted to live.

Friends of mine, a couple, were all excited about moving to a new city. Their work was now all remote, so making a living wasn’t a problem, and the new city promised to be less expensive, yay! Their kids were grown, so schools weren’t an issue, freedom! Or so they thought. They bought a bigger house than they were accustomed to – more room to spread out. Bought the sporty car, and indulged in some expensive bling. Not a lot, but something they couldn’t afford previously.

The couple assumed that the move would give them more free time, and more disposable income with which to enjoy it. In a word, more freedom.

Right. The house, being bigger, required more cleaning. More upkeep. The sporty car was cute and fun, but challenging to get in and out of unless they were wearing sweats. And the insurance on it was more than anticipated given its “sportiness.” They were hesitant about wearing the expensive bling for fear of someone stealing it, or figuring they were rich (which they weren’t), and following them home to rob them.

Not exactly their definition of freedom.

Does this mean you shouldn’t indulge in that “thing” you want? Of course not! What it does mean, is to do your research. Think ahead to the consequences and get ready for those so that you can enjoy the life you want to live, with these new “things” you want to own.

So, get the sporty car, but be ready to Uber if you or your partner want to go to an event in something other than “get out of the car easily” clothes. Factor in additional insurance. Make peace with it before you buy the car. Will the bigger house work with your desired life? Or might a trendy condo suit you better? Think ahead. Sure, get the bling, but maybe consider insuring it, or not flashing it all over the place.

Life is supposed to be fun. Just make sure it’s fun for you tomorrow, as well as today.