In the spirit of being thankful, here is something Bruce wrote a few years ago that we like to share each year. It reminds us to be thankful for the time that we have with our family rather than dreading the holiday chaos. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
After hearing someone complain about their family and how stressful Thanksgiving was going to be, I would like to share a few thoughts.
We need to remember (and be grateful) that we all have choices. We don’t have to drive anywhere if we don’t want to. We don’t have to listen to a family member criticize us or bloviate about things that annoy us. We don’t have to do anything!
However, if making that drive is going to make our spouse happy, if spending time with a parent is going to make them happy, it just might be worth it. We should truly be thankful and not take for granted that we have these people in our lives. My parents are in their 70’s….and they can drive me a little crazy! But that is nothing compared to how much I love them and how much I will miss them when they are gone. I only have so many holidays left with them in my life, and I am not going to screw one up by being selfish.
This holiday season, let’s not just say we are grateful for who and what we have, let’s show it. Instead of focusing on ourselves, let’s do all we can to help others have a better day, and let’s do it for a selfish reason…to make us feel better! Humility, patience, acceptance and tolerance are all we need to be successful.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
