“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true
measure of our thanksgiving.” — W.T. Purkiser
Many
of us, as we sat down to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, either silently or
aloud, offered a little prayer of thanks for the meal and for being with family
or friends. But, so often, the rest of the year, we neglect to be grateful for
the daily pleasures that fill our lives.
I was reminded of this recently
when someone asked me what were the small things that gave me pleasure every
day, and I started to think about the beauty of the evening sky over the water
as I drive home in the evening, the taste of good food, getting dressed in
something pretty, the sound of my daughter’s voice over the phone, my cats
cuddling on my bed at night ... these things and so many more fill me with
happiness, and yet I take them for granted and neglect to remember to be
grateful.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that I feel so fortunate
and am especially grateful to be able to share my thoughts each week with so
many interesting readers that, upon occasion, stop me in a restaurant or the
supermarket or email me to offer their opinions and friendship.
If we are constantly anxious or worried, it is hard to be grateful so it is
important to try to live in the moment, to fully savor and enjoy the here and
now. What used to be is past, and what will be is beyond our control. Breathe
deeply of the present moment before it, too, slips away. Cultivate friendships
with positive people that make you feel good and cherish those who are
lighthearted and make you laugh.
It is also important, I believe, to
listen to that small, inner voice that guides you to what creates
self-fulfillment for you. We are all unique individuals with special needs and
yearnings, and unless these are being satisfied, we can’t be truly
happy.
Some individuals find that keeping a gratitude journal reminds
them of the many wonderful pleasures in their life. Just taking a few minutes at
the end of each day to reflect upon the day’s happenings is, I think, a
worthwhile practice. In today’s fast-paced world where we are surrounded by
constant distractions and feel guilty unless we are “using” every minute,
relaxation and reflection are too often, lost arts. With the holiday season
approaching, it is also a good time to remember that the meaning of a gift is
not in its expense; it is a way of showing gratitude to those we
love.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living
Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors
contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The
Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
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