Today, on thanks giving day, the world is shocked with all the carnage in Mumbai over the last 24 hours.
I simply cannot understand why and even less so I cannot even begin to know what the loved ones of those killed, injured or missing are going through right now.
I feel especially sad having visited Mumbai many times and even stayed at the Taj Palace hotel once. Only a few weeks ago, a dear friend and her husband stayed there for a week and I am so grateful they were not there this week. But at the same time, my heart and thoughts are with all those grieving right now around the world.
What have they got to be grateful or thankful about today?! Just how does one console them?
If we broaden the picture to the wider world, then there is so much tragedy, misery and sadness all around us in the world. If we choose to focus on those things, then what do we have to be grateful and thankful for today?!
That brings me to the point of this post – no matter what “negative” things are going on in the world around us, I believe and I just know that there is so much more beauty, love, gallantry and kindness in us and around us.
There are no bounds to the depth and capacity of the human spirit to endure such harsh times as over the last 24 hours – hard as it may be at the time. At the same time, we are capable of so much more and I really do believe that peace and love will prevail.
If we can’t believe that to be the case, then there is no hope for any of us.
So here is what I would like you all to do on this thanksgiving day. I have written five detailed and long thanks-giving articles on y blog – I invite you all to read them today and apply whatever lessons and ideas that resonate with you.
Thanksgiving Week Lesson 1 – How To Embrace What You Already Have
Thanksgiving Week Lesson 2 – How To Let Yourself Give and Receive
Thanksgiving Week Lesson 3 – How To Add a Little Sizzle to Your Relationships
Thanksgiving Week Lesson 4 – How To Harvest the Wisdom from My Top Blogger Friends
Thanksgiving Week Lesson 5 – How to Serve Others at the Global Table
Great posts. I love that you gave lists of practical advice at the end of each post. I think for the most part I try to live like that, but I fall short of my goal (maybe too hard on myself.)
The one difficult area is with my mother, especially as I work through my issues with her. I was not up to dealing with her, so I did not attend Thanksgiving with my family. Instead, my husband and I had a nice quiet day together.
My mother interacts with me either by ignoring me, being outwardly hostile, passive-aggressive, or by trying to make me her mother. When I set limits, it either gets worse or “I’m too sensitive.” My husband runs interference as does the rest of my family, but it is taxing. This is how it has always been and she has not changed despite what I have done on my part to speak up for myself. But, I am in the process of learning how to deal with it and for this year it meant no Turkey or 1 1/2 drive. I don’t like Turkey anyway. We had halibut!!
Sorry to go on. Really a great set of posts.
CC
Thanks CC for sharing your feedback – and great that you are living like that mostly.
Maybe now it is time for you to be less hard on yourself.
Glad you had Halibut this year – poor Halibut, but at least one less Turkey killed!
Thanks…you too, be less hard on yourself. 🙂
*hugs*
Hi Arvind…as usual your words resonate deeply as practical actions that can easily be incorporated into one’s lifestyle…
I know the result of focusing on the negative, so I do my best to stay vigilante in keeping my focus on the aspects of this life that enhance my well-being!
Thanks Mighty Morgan – I do believe that ideas for action have to be simple and pratical.
Good luck with remaining positive.
my respect for the 200 men and women who died and deepest sympathy for their friends and families.