We celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States tomorrow. Gratitude practice is a large part of my life every day, in personal reflection and in my work as a therapist. So I am re-posting my gratitude poem from 2013 for you all to enjoy.
While I have decided to spend tomorrow alone, without my family, I will not neglect my gratitude practice. While this year was difficult for me health-wise and financially, much has changed over time. I am so grateful to have a new job ( today is my 6 month anniversary) where I clearly see my gifts unfold in the changes my clients are making in their lives.
I am grateful for Kokoa, my brand new dark brown Honda, whose driver-side electric window works. Isn’t she pretty? I love finally being able to go to a drive-through or toll booth without having to open the car door. I am grateful for finding some amazing new co-workers and recently landing an excellent clinical supervisor to help me pursue my LCSW. It was around 1 year ago when I discovered that I could no longer remain credentialed and that getting the next level of licensure was the only option available. I am very grateful to Wendy, who is helping my re-work my nutrition and guiding we towards improved wellness. This is a work in progress, but I am optimistic that I can learn more about food and herbs in order to heal my body, mind, and spirit. I am also grateful that my week and a half vacation begins NOW!
While my life is far from perfect and it may appear that the planet is imploding with negativity and regressive attitudes and actions, there is always hope. Every breath is a new beginning.
Where there is darkness. the promise of light is certain. Where there is light, there is love, and lite.
namaste, litebeing
GRATITUDE
G – Generosity of spirit manifesting in each moment, with each inhalation
R- Resilience in the face of darkness, supporting me through many a storm
A- Ability to share myself through writing, teaching, healing, BEING
T- Twinkle of light in a child’s eyes, the sunset, my heart
I – Inspiration that never ceases to amaze me and warm my soul
T- Treasures that unfold effortlessly and in a multitude of forms
U- Unconditional love , from Dexter, family of choice, my friends near and far
D-Dreams manifesting mysteriously and magnificently, especially here at WordPress
E- Eternal miracles, just waiting to be discovered, right under my nose
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holy-day. Maybe that’s because it arrives so close to my Midheaven, or perhaps it’s my mother’s incredible stuffing. Then again it could be the ability to include anyone you want at the table, without the pressure of gifts or material constraints. Less hype, more substance.
I personally am not a fan of holidays in general. The Quakers were right in saying that every day is holy. It can be if we choose to live and love in each moment. What makes Thanksgiving sacred to me is the idea of a tribal feasting and gratitude practice. Frankly there have been some years where I had difficulty reciting my blessings round the dinner table. Life has not always been kind or simple. Tomorrow it will difficult for my family to shut me up when it is my turn to share my blessings. With tears in my eyes and a glow in my heart, I am so aware what a remarkable year this has been! No, it has not been without challenges, mishaps, losses, and delays. But this is the first time in decades where I have realized so many of my original dreams and desires. Sometimes I just have to pinch myself. I never knew life could be so incredible…
But then again, it’s probably the stuffing, yummy!
Wishing you and yours a Blessed Thanksgiving, even if you do not formally celebrate! Let the love and bounty into your heart and tell everyone that you love them…
poem by litebeing chronicles © 2013
image by wikimedia.org
litebeing chronicles 
Your blog is amazing!
LikeLike
I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving linda… even on your own… I love the celebration focusing on gratitude. Only just catching up on my reading and love how you are engaging more fully in life again… As they say… keep loving yourself, no matter what, slowly but surely the world is your oyster… much love to you x barbara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Barbara,
It was a lovely day and I made the correct choice. I had 2 invitations for the holiday. One was far away and the other was not in alignment with my vibration, to put it delicately. The weird thing is, I did not feel alone and interesting occurrences throughout the day increased my inner piece. Gratitude practice is something I have followed for years and I highly recommend it.
Loving ourselves is rarely taught, but very important, as you are well aware.
love and hugs,
Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am delighted that you are on track Linda with your LCSW again… I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving even though you spent the time alone.. You are never alone in spirit my friend..
Loved your Listing Gratitude .. May your Dreams forever manifest within your world of reality..
Sending my thoughts of love your way..
Sue ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sue,
It was a lovely day and I was off on Friday and will remain off for this coming week, yippee! As I wrote Barbara and as Dewin exclaimed, I was not really alone. Maybe I’ll write about, not sure. But I am thankful for all the new energy in my life and my ability to adjust, change, and endure obstacles or conflicts. I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
love and hugs,
Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you had a lovely weekend and hope you enjoy your chill out time this week too Linda.. 🙂 And will look forward to a new post if and when you write about it… Sending lots of love your way and enjoy your time off this week.. ❤ xxx
LikeLike
Hope your day of solitude brought deep satisfaction and peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope yours was wonderful too. You actually caught the ” alone” mention in the post. It turned out to be a much richer day and I did not feel alone.
thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Linda 🙂
You weren’t ‘alone’…counting the number of friends who shared your welcoming company here on WP on the 24th, I think your Thanksgiving Day table was set for 7 🙂 Is that a fortuitous number? 🙂
I was here for 2 hours and 30 minutes between comments, and must have stayed for both dinner courses. A delight, thank you 🙂
Namaste
DN – 26/11/2016
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Linda 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving! I trust you will have a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoy your period of leave from work…on which note, congratulations on obtaining new credentials and for reaching the 6 month milestone with your current employer…you sound positive and energised, rightfully pleased by your professional practice and altogether relishing the opportunities that lie ahead. Long may the roll of the dice turn in your favour: all is crossed for continued success in health, happiness, good fortune, love and luck! Sincere best wishes as always 😀
I think naming your Japanese car “Kokoa” – “Love of the heart” not only expresses your gratitude but also foregrounds the sweetness of you 🙂
One small question regarding the broken window in your previous car and using the drive-through….had you ever considered reversing through the drive-through and being served via the passenger window? lol 🙂
Thank you for the poem Linda. I found it thoughtful, heartfelt, compassionate and sincere, and laced with a side-helping of creative inspiration 🙂
It’s wonderful to see your smile shining out from within each word 😀 Take care.
Namaste
DN – 24/11/2016
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Dewin,
How are you? Glad to receive your greetings today. I will be working on this credential for about 3 years so I am not quite there, just taking steps day by day. Love the drive through in reverse idea, but it would not have been allowed to drive in reverse direction,lol!
On another note, I chose Kokoa ,for a few reasons, thinking it was my own creation. I am so pleased and surprised to hear it is a thing with such a slendid meaning. I was considering adopting a cat named Oreo but did not like that name. The word Cocoa popped in my head and I liked it so I considered it as a cat name. I did not get the cat or any cat yet, but was car shopping. The color of my car is called Kona coffee in the brochure. The color reminds me of coffee and dark chocolate so I concocted Kokoa as a play on Kona and Cocoa. A wonderful synchronicity that came to me via your knowledge of Japanese ( or did you google it? 🙂 )
While the job is anything but perfect, 6 months is a milestone and I have built up a great practice in a short time. I relish being a therapist while astrology is my first love. When I composed this poem I was in the new throes of blogging and my creativity was on full tilt. I can see this as I reread the content. It reminds me of how fortunate I am to be here with all of you on WordPress and how writing is my refuge.
take care of you ,
Namaste, Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Linda 🙂
It’s a pleasure to have chance to wish you a wonderful day on Thanksgiving 🙂 And thank you, all is well here in soggy, cold, wild and windy Wales. Brrrr, scarves, gloves and woolly hats are out of wraps already! Me thinks Lady Winter has returned this year with vengeance and great fury lol 🙂 I hope for snow at Christmas! Yeah!
Ah, so the new credential is a labour of love offering you both an assured destination and a new platform from which to extend yourself further, should that be the plan. Good luck getting there…tenacity they say is as effective as aptitude and natural ability in reaching further goals, and since you are able to bring all three aspects to the fore, I imagine there will be no stopping you moving forward into the future. God speed and don’t spare the ponies! 😉
Thank you for delineating the story behind Kokoa…you put a lot of thought into making that choice and were rewarded for your trouble…perhaps there is a lesson for us all to be found in adopting a similar approach when attending to the details of our life…an honest investment of time and energy really does work! 🙂
I am very pleased to hear Wendy is supporting your clear and focussed intention to manage your health through diet and nutritional guidance. I always believed those new green shoots of wellness would slowly materialise with a little loving help from a benign universe. I am also very pleased to hear you were, and may still be ‘considering’ acquiring a new cat. They are such beautiful and loving animals, with hearts of gold and a penchant for always expressing their love in often deeply mysterious ways 😉
Perhaps it is just my humble observation and opinion, but I feel a sense of renewed gentleness to this post and a lighter bounce in your words and stride. It’s nothing I can pin-point, more an overall impression. As you have stated in your post, it has been a long and troubling year for you and now you are through the thick of it and back in control, life must seem a whole lot brighter. So very pleased to know that you are well and truly on the up and pushing forward with passion and spirit both aflame 🙂
Take care Linda and have a wonderful few days away from the grind. No doubt you’ll find much to keep yourself busy 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving 😀
Namaste
DN – 24/11/2016
LikeLike
Hi again Dewin,
I was not alone online, in this post alone I was visited by people from around the country and around the globe: Malaysia, Wales, Kentucky, Belarus, Switzerland, California, and Germany. Imagine that! I did forgo the traditional festivities and it was a wise choice.
I do enjoy such gatherings when people are positive and the vibes are welcoming. Maybe next year 🙂
peace my friend.
Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
A Joy-filled, festive celebration to you, Linda! 🙂
I am so delighted by your blessings.
❤ Ka
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ka,
I hope you had a splendid holiday. Feel blessed to have you in my tribe.
❤ Linda
LikeLike
My beautiful little Linda! Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart is full of gratitude for every moment of life you live. You are beauty of the world. You are kindness of the word. And you spread goodness generously, thank you for You!
Hug you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Glorialana, just this second I was on your blog. So we are connected once more! I am grateful to be alive and in better health, filled with possibilities for more joy, love, and happiness. Very glad to have your friendship.
hugs, Linda
LikeLike
Happy and blessed Thanks giving to you Linda!! And yay to awesome new job too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Shree. It is a joy to have you back in my life in this way. hugs, Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a lovely Thanksgiving, Linda! I’m happy to read that life is good☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Monika! I am grateful for our sustained connection ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good to read about how much your life has changed for the better. I am happy for you. This post is inspiring.
We don’t have Thanksgiving in Germany. There is something which would translate as “thanks-for-the-harvest-festival” in the church, but it is not a custom to celebrate that in the families. It is funny. We have all these American import ware special days like Valentine’s Day and Halloween, but Thanksgiving is still missing.
Hugs
Karin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Karin,
Where does time and space begin and end anyway,lol? Meaning there is such a cross-culturalization of our planet, among other things ( Interstellar, for example). I live near the Pennsylvania Dutch country, which includes the Amish. It is a great part of our history and identity, but a German export.
Thanks as always for rooting for me and standing in my corner. So lucky to have you as my friend.
Hoping we both can transform any limitations into dreams and joyful manifestations.
love and hugs,
Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person