Thursday, November 22, 2012

* Thanksgiving is More Than Just One Day *


While Vern and I walked yesterday, I marveled at the glorious leaves, some of which still clung to branches, many covered portions of yards, and others skidded and tumbled along the streets and sidewalks. 




I thought again how everything that has previously happened in my life has brought me to where I am right now. How every event that occurred, whether happy or sad, has been part of my life's path. 

When I was a child the route was chosen for me by my parents, and then when I was a young adult, I decided my own course. Sometimes I needed to make a detour and other times the detour was already in place ahead of me. 

Countless people waste so much precious time fretting about "If Onlys." 

If only I'd taken that job I wanted.
If only my parents didn't do this or that.
If only I had more money.
Etc. 

I learned a long time ago to stop thinking that way. When and how did I figure that out? I really can't remember, at least not at this moment. 

All I know is this: I'm very happy. And material things have nothing to do with my happiness. Can I say that I'm glad every "bad" incident happened in order for me to be in this blissful state of mind? I guess that's what I've been trying to say. It's that domino effect.

Although I sincerely thought I knew what my feelings were about everything in my past, I didn't really begin to know until I began to write my memoir. I still have more to think about. More to learn. More to delve into. I'll just have to start on "the sequel," I guess. 

~~~~~

This post doesn't really seem like a Thanksgiving one, does it? I may have gotten a bit too reflective, but my point is this: 

I am alive. I am here on this beautiful earth. My life is not perfect and neither am I! But I'm grateful & thankful, every single day of my life for every single thing that happened along the way. It has made me who I am. 

~~~~~

Happy Thanksgiving!






And have a cup of yummy flavored coffee with me, with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles on top!






"This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control you own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy." -- Susan Polis Schutz

21 comments:

  1. Powerful quote. I will take that with me through the day.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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  2. Never you mind, whether this contains a Thanksgiving theme, Becky ...
    I appreciate these reflections; I needed to see this today.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you... and you, and of course, Vern!

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  3. It sounds very much like a Thanksgiving post, Becky. You are grateful for your life and for all that it has taught you. That's a HUGE lesson to share. Gratefulness is something that is near and dear to God's own heart.

    I hope you have a happy holiday. Be safe and be warm and know that you are loved. Thank you for sowing your love into mine and for dropping by to visit. It made my day!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    xo,

    Sheila

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  4. That is a fabulous quote! Have a very happy Thanksgiving Becky!

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  5. Hi Becky...Nice post. So glad you are happy at this stage of your life. I have to say that I am blessed to be happy, too. Susan

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  6. Happy Thanksgiving! That coffee looks delicious, and I have never had a cup of coffee in my life. I'll take your word for it.

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  7. What a lovely post. So true, we can't change our past so we might as well be happy now. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

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  8. Hello dear dear Becky, how very good to reading from you! I'm glad you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving day. We do not celebrate it here in the Netherlands!
    Happy weekend dear one x

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  9. Hello! I am your newest follower.Lovely words. Please drop by for a visit :)Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage

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  10. Hello Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to stop and comment. Hugs and beautiful wishes to all of you. And welcome, Denise! Thank you for becoming my new follower. How did you find me? It's always interesting to discover how people wind up on blogs!

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  11. This is VERY MUCH a Thanksgiving post. Focusing on being thankful for ALL of life. Thanks for sharing!
    sandy ;)

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  12. Great post, Becky. Being grateful does most certainly allow for greater happiness.

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  13. This is certainly a nice Thanksgiving post, Becky. This holiday is always a good time for reflection and acknowledging that which has made us who we are.

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  14. Hi Becky,nice to meet you. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Oh and thanks for giving.

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  15. You have that attitude of gratitude! I do know what you mean, very much so. I have done things that left me with regret or pain ... or chosen wrong many times, but without those experiences I wouldn't be the me that I am now. I am grateful that I ended up with my Cary and the life that I have now, and appreciate everything so very much.

    I haven't yet written a memoir, but am thinking of doing one now, even if it is only for my kids and grandkids family history. My blog has helped me heal in so many ways (back when I did more than travel and history stuff). I have been able to put things into perspective and forgive others, so all is well, and I KNOW what you are talking about.

    Love ya!

    Kathy M.

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  16. Beautifully put, Becky. Hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  17. Loved reading your post, Becky! The lessons are valuable.
    And how true, Thanksgiving is definitely more than just one day.

    So happy belated Thanksgiving *hugs*

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  18. Well said Becky. I've had similar thoughts lately, how my difficult childhood while troubling has helped form the 'me' I am now. I like 'me' a lot and those things had to be. If this is wisdom that comes with age, bring me more of it! thanks.

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  19. Hi Becky! I'm just catching up on my blog reading now that my NaNo craziness is over and I found this post so touching! I'm still trying to get to where you are as far as the If Onlys, but I think I'm almost there. I love the quote as well, how true. And of course any pic of Vern is always wonderful!

    I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)

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  20. I needed to be here today! Thanks Becky!

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  21. Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry I haven't stopped back by here to leave my Thank You comments! I'd like to thank each of you (some for a 2nd time)!
    Delores, Myra, Sheila, Jo, Susan, Val, Janel, Saskia, Denise, Sandy, Lisa, Maryann, farawayeyes, Kathy, Pat, Estrella, Marsha, Julie, and Anne! What a fabulous group of women you all are, and I'm so grateful to know every one of you!

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I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.