This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canadaland. A common tradition, at least at Thanksgiving meals that I've been to over my years, is that once everyone has sat down and loaded their plates up to maximum capacity, is to go around the table and each person expresses what they are thankful for. It's never been a religious thing and people are usually 'digging in' at this point and the wine is a-flowing.
This Thanksgiving, I'm alone. I made a sort of rice jambalaya thing: rice, veggies and ground turkey breast cooked up sort of Cajun-like and moments ago sat there eating it wondering what I'm thankful for. This year, it's difficult because I'm not well, I'm not in a happy place and that's clouding everything. But I am thankful for some very basic, bottom rung of 'Maslow's hierarchy of needs' sorts of things.
- I am alive. A few times throughout this past year I have had some very dark moments, somehow I'm still here.
- I have finally found a psychologist who kicks ass. Ms Shrinkychick has her work cut out for her and she's not let me down.
- I have a roof over my head, money in the bank and food in my belly.
- Although my health is not what it could be, I feel ok at this moment.
- There are 365 days to make next year's Thanksgiving blog post into something much better.
Oh, wait! Three cheers for pumpkin pie!
Happy Thanksgiving... or not.
Happy Canadaland Thanksgiving to you. Good for you for thinking to the positives.....and the pumpkin pie looks great !
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there was pumpkin pie - if you have that, then life is good. It's the small things that matter, so it's good place to start!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I enjoyed a slice of pie too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. You know realising that there are levels above Maslows base levels has to be an optimistic sign, a recognition of moving on up.
ReplyDeleteYou're a great woman. You've helped me over the past few years and I hope you will be feeling better soon. You have been brave enough to chose a hard road to recovery but you will make it.
I'm thankful that I know you.
I would be quite delighted if you wanted to paint that photo. :) I might use the 'thankful things' at our family Christmas dinner this year, it's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd let's hope that next's year's post is full of pu[ppies and butterflies. If you feel it'd improve your mood I could also offer you a couple of extremley naughty ginger cats, one of whom seems to have made it his mission to prevent me from writing this comment.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
ReplyDeleteBut sorry - yuck to pumpkin pie !!
A roof over your head, money in the bank and plenty to eat - that's a good beginning. Even the Queen of England has her not so good years.
ReplyDeleteAs for holidays - they're designed to make the single feel excluded. See, you didn't conform and now you're eating pumpkin pie alone. Bullshit. Do you know how many people dread their family Thanksgiving dinners? Happy families exist mainly in Norman Rockwell paintings.
Happy Thanksgiving, try to keep positive, I've never had pumpkin pie so I'm missing out.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you do have things to be thankful for but I hope you have the Thanksgiving you desire next year.
ReplyDeleteI've just caught up on your posts, forgive the following late comments.
Those autumn trees are beautiful. Fab photos.
Joan Jett, of course. She was around at the right time for me. Don't remember the Arrows but they did a pretty good job too. As for Ms Spears, it went from bad to worse. Way too much posing and what was all that crawling along the floor about?!
Marnie, when I came to Haida Gwaii ten years ago I went through much the same feelings you are experiencing and there were times when I wondered if it was all worth it. But I just started to give thanks for the little things in my life and I was surprised how they added up....I still struggle at holidays sometimes but I realize it has everything to do with me. I am very grateful that I came across your blog because you are so honest and you make me laugh all the time.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, blessings and smiles
i made pumpkin bread this weekend.
ReplyDeletehappy thanksgiving.
Stick in, Ms TB. Work that Shrinkchick til she drops then work her again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone.
ReplyDeletePsychologist who kicks ass...so you are going to karate/wrestling lessons with her also?:-) A treatment in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI missed Thanksgiving? ..... ffs.....and Pumpkin Pie?..... wtf?
ReplyDeleteBelated Thanksgiving warmth to you.
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are feeling better.
ReplyDelete