As you’ll see, I wrote this around Thanksgiving. Since the message in this update – gratitude – is always relevant, I figured I’d share it anyway.

“I can balance writing with working a part-time job”, I wrote naively.

What’s so hard about that?

Little did I realize; I would also balance it with getting my car fully repaired and legal – which, after a long uphill climb, has finally happened! It is fixed and has passed its emissions test, which means that after nearly two years without a dependable vehicle, we were able to get it legal and start driving again.

I’ve also been catching up on responsibilities at home and making sure I see my family.

I was wrong and a little foolish to think I could do everything at once. Sadly, writing was put on the back burner so I could keep up with everything else. Now, thankfully, I’m back and ready to get to work.

For those of you who are still with me, thank you kindly for your patience. I could launch into a lengthy update about my car and how we just couldn’t get it to pass emissions, which I might do in another update soon.

Honestly, though, I’ve lived in that world enough. I’m ready to get back to what’s important: spiritual growth and the evolution of the self into an aware and compassionate lightworker who, as much as possible, operates from a place of love.

With that in mind, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about gratitude.

I could point out that Thanksgiving is an insult to Native American ancestors who exchanged generosity for genocide, as we should all be aware and willing to speak out about it. In today’s cultural climate, I wouldn’t be surprised if the holiday was canceled in the next ten or twenty years.

The mistreatment and mass murder of America’s indigenous population should be on every westerner’s mind as we feast and celebrate our blessings. Rather than gloss over it, we should be aware that our seemingly innocent Thanksgiving holiday covers up countless horrors that took place not too long ago.

Let’s remember that the land we call America was not found, but brutally stolen. It’s not exactly a comforting thought, but it is so very important to be aware of.

In my opinion, the dark and uncomfortable truth about Thanksgiving does not diminish the need to be thankful for everything you have. Drawing from personal experience: I’m at a point in life where I can be grateful or let my woes defeat me.

It would be great not to have so many money problems, with the car, holidays, and bills talking every penny. But I appreciate that I have a warm home with food, electricity, running water, and entertainment if I want it. Many, many people are a lot worse off.

I’m grateful for this computer I type on; this delicious coffee I sip as I type; the music and podcasts I can listen to while I blog; and, of course, the part-time cleaning job that has made me appreciate the value of a hard-earned dollar.

I appreciate seeing people at my job come together regardless of age, race, or political views. There is a community in the gym I work at – one comprised of people from all walks of life who can nonetheless connect in the spirit of exercise, good health, and great conversation.

I’m grateful to contribute, even in a small way, to a place that helps people better themselves. I would much rather clean a gym than a McDonalds, as everyone in the gym puts their health first, works hard, and pushes their limits.  

I am incredibly grateful to be alive on a planet filled with beauty, wonder, and mystery. Looking outside, I’m blown away by how beautiful and complex the natural world is. In my interactions with people, I appreciate that most of us are just looking for someone to connect with.

I appreciate my friends, past and present, who put up with me when I wasn’t at my best.

Most of all, I appreciate the opportunity to better myself a little each day. Some days are harder than others, but every day, I will get up and keep trying.

I’m grateful to be here, experiencing life’s ups and downs. Through meditation, writing, and other spiritual practices, I can delve into my subconscious to heal unresolved traumas and maybe help some of you through your healing journey. I’m lucky to be in this position, and I plan to take it far more seriously.

Life is hard right now; but I appreciate it more than ever before. As I feast with family every Thanksgiving, I’ll try to remember the falsities on which the holiday is built. Regardless, I will always be grateful for this short and thus meaningful life – not just on Thanksgiving, but every day I remember to give thanks. 

As I show my gratitude for life, I’ll watch in awe as the Universe confirms through a string of endless synchronicities that I’m finally on the right path.

Featured image by Avi Chomotovski from Pixabay