I really want to write something amazing and inspirational for this day of gratitude. I want to write something not pithy and trite and cliché. I’m kind of stumped, so I’ll just go with honest.

This year, Thanksgiving is a difficult day. It just doesn’t feel possible to set everything aside and focus on gratitude. Okay, maybe it’s possible, but it doesn’t feel authentic.

Thanksgiving is usually my favorite holiday of the year. Not just because of the gatherings and the food and the time off of work, but also because my heart feels really full with gratitude, love, memories and connections.

And usually I’m singing with a group of amazing people and we are right around the corner from a concert, so there’s anticipation and focus.

There are usually parties and birthdays and big family gatherings and some travel to look forward to with excitement.

And, of course, there is always some sort of level of holiday stress.

None of those are true for me for this year. Of course I can easily come up with reasons to feel truly heartfelt gratitude, and I’m sure you can, too. I’m a big fan of gratitude. But this year, it doesn’t seem like it’s enough.  That sounds kind whiny, and that’s not what I mean.

I think I mean that this year calls for a complex stew of reflection, a rainbow of emotions. Gratitude is in there, for sure, but so is loss, grief, anxiety, disappointment and uncertainty. So is determination, generosity, empathy and appreciation. There’s probably a little bit of anger and frustration, but also some trust and hope.  It’s a stew….a real mix of things.

I think that yes, this year calls for some really deep reflection. We are all changed, and that takes processing. In a year that seems full of pauses, I feel like it’s time to take a big pause today, intentionally reflect on the year to date and all that I have experienced since last November.

Then I want to complete it. There are things that I just want to let go of, and I will. There are things that I now know that I want to remember always. There are ways of being that I want to discard and to keep, too.

I am thankful that I have arrived at my version of how to do Thanksgiving this year. I hope you find yours.

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Much Love and light,

Maggie

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Yes, I am still doing 1 on 1 coaching, and I have a couple of open spots right now. I’ve also created a gift set – an online program with Individual coaching to sessions as a coaching spa package. https://therainbowonion.com/shop/