The turkey’s been devoured and family dispersed, but just because Thanksgiving is over, doesn’t mean we should abandon our gratitude.
The national holiday celebrated by many marks a day of thanks for all the seemingly ‘little’ things we enjoy in life – a bounty of food, fine friends, loving family and cheers to good health. And who doesn’t love an extra day off?
Thanks to some great weather this week (albeit a bit frosty in the a.m.) we’ve also been treated to some gorgeous fall scenery. They say the best time in the Okanagan is the summer, but I just love seeing all the leaves illuminated with bold reds, yellows and oranges and there’s something so peaceful about the lakes and beaches when they aren’t packed with boaters, tourists and sun-seekers.
It’s also a bittersweet season. With summer’s fun over, we try to soak up the final warmth in the autumn sun’s rays, knowing winter is just around the corner.
The sun is expected to stick around for a while longer, so enjoy the season before the rain washes its beauty away and the snow starts to fly. Plus this is the perfect season to snap some Kodak moments of the family.
As beautiful as fall can be, it can also bring some unexpected blues. Many people start to feel the effects of the changing seasons, with the crisp temperatures cooling off spirits. But before the winter blues come into full effect, soak up all the joy of the season and carry that Thanksgiving mentality with you.
You don’t have to give into feelings of depression, you can fight them with the warmth of all our bounty, beauty and blooming relationships, you know, those ‘little’ things. Now obviously for some, including those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, that’s easier said then done. While those with more severe cases of depression need additional support, it’s the milder cases that can often be combatted with a little mind over matter.
Take it one day at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself by stressing about the endless fall cleanup chores around the house or, dare I say it, the coming chaos of Christmas. I know the retail world isn’t helping any in that matter – we haven’t even celebrated Halloween yet and they’ve already decked the shelves with bells and holly. Or maybe the holidays are just what you need to focus on. All the joy surrounding the season is often looked forward to by many. This may just be the time to start planning and thinking about it – even if you do dread it.
It also doesn’t help that the days are growing shorter. Before we know it we will be starting our days in the dark and heading home from work in the dark. No thanks to the looming time change – we fall back an hour Nov. 3.
Just try not to fall into the depths of the darkness.
Stay positive. Look on the bright side of life, no matter what life has thrown your way. Enjoy and be thankful for all those ‘little’ things.
But don’t forget the big picture.
Sometimes we get so caught up with the small tasks of the day, the chores, the time pressures that we forget to sit back and enjoy the bigger picture.
We complain about our jobs instead of appreciating the great company of co-workers and management, and just being thankful for having that paycheque.
We fight with our spouses over things we often look back at and realize are insignificant compared to all that they do for us (and put up with from us) on a daily basis.
We nag at our children, often over-parenting when what we really need to do more of is getting down to their level, playing and enjoying the time with them.
Life is too short to live miserably.
Count the many blessings you have, be thankful for them and enjoy the precious moments of life before they pass you by.
