I was thinking this week about how Thanksgiving is around the corner and its history and meaning to me. It was a time to celebrate the harvest and abundance. The pilgrims had a celebration after a successful harvest and all were invited. Today, we have an abundance of delicious foods all around us. I really enjoy pumpkin, squash, beans, beets and other fall foods.
What is your favorite fall food? What do you have an abundance of?
Fall foods are warm soft and delicious. I noticed the other day there was a long line at Kneaders when it was cold and blustery. Soup is often a comfort food: It’s warm, hearty, and enjoyable to warm you up on a cold day. I love to make easy crockpot soup. All you have to do is pour ingredients in, turn it on and let the aroma and warmth fill up your home.
One of the traditions our family has at Thanksgiving is to go around the table (or, I should say, tables - I have 7 siblings, 5 in-laws, and 22 nieces and nephews) and everyone says one thing they are grateful for. Thanks is given for family, health, faith, nature, and other things. I love this tradition. I’ve heard the saying that “gratitude makes what you have enough” and when you express gratitude it changes your energy, boosts your mood, and improves your health. I have kept a gratitude journal for many years and it has opened my eyes to how much abundance I enjoy.
When times were tough with my business, difficult break-ups, deadlines, projects, school, and illness, expressing gratitude has lifted me to appreciate the aspects of life that bring me joy. What is on your gratitude list? Take a moment to jot down some of the things you are grateful for. My top 3 are God, family, and my health.
The pilgrims were grateful for the harvest and the plentiful food they had. We are very blessed to be able to go to the grocery store and get whatever we want whenever we want it. As you sit down at your Thanksgiving meal take a moment to pray, to be still, and to recognize the abundance we have and appreciate the harvest of delicious colors, flavors, and textures we have to enjoy.
Have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Sincerely, Camille