November 2021 Blog

​Gratitude

​
​What does the word "Gratitude" mean literally and what's its origin?
According to the U.S. Dictionary,
the word "Gratitude" ​is a Noun which means: 
The quality of being thankful;
​readiness to show appreciation for
​and to return kindness.
Its origin comes from the late Middle English from Old French,
or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’.

Why am I writing about Gratitude this month?

Well, I, for one, lack in the ability to recognize that gratitude should be a part of my everyday life. There are many times in my life when I feel that I've forgotten to take the time to stop and think about my life's blessings. I've neglected to ask myself some important very simple questions such as:

• Am I grateful for the food that I eat everyday?
• Am I grateful for my family and the pets in my care?
• Am I grateful for getting up in the morning and seeing the miracles happening in nature and life? The birds singing, the dogs barking, the sun and moon, the stars at night. The stunning sunrise and sunset. The clouds that appear to create images in the sky.

If I really think about being grateful the list can go on and on.

The bigger question for me is...What have I done to prove my gratitude?

• Have I been kind when it's impossible to be kind to a person who is rude or treats me badly?
  
• Have I looked to good people to follow and aspire to imitate?
  
• Have I reached out to others in need above and beyond what my means will allow?
  
• Do I try my best everyday to love ALL people unconditionally?

For me, this is a large order to fill. Can it be attained?  I think so. Many people have done it throughout history. But, how??? Saint Mother Teresa once said that we must "do small things with great love." What great advice!!

​Maybe, just maybe, I can try. Small things makes it sound attainable. Great love comes from our heart, after all. I guess if I open my heart to see and witness gratitude, I'll be able to express it myself in small ways. Dagger helps me to be more grateful for everyone and everything everyday.
This month on November 25th, here in New York, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. It's the one day dedicated to giving thanks for our blessings and the kindness that surrounds us everyday.

It gives us a reason to pause and reflect on what we are thankful for.  Even though Thanksgiving takes place at different times throughout the world
it's still a day filled with thanks for family, friends and food.  To me it doesn't get any better than that!!   

In the United States of America, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. The date can be confusing sometimes. Nevertheless, it's always on a Thursday and it's meaning and intent is always the same...Thanking and Giving.
​Many Americans spend the entire week preparing for their Thanksgiving feast. However, while this is super important for planning a great celebration, concentrating on what we are thankful for and giving of ourselves through acts of kindness and community service is, I feel, of the utmost importance and meaning of the holiday.  This year our gathering will remain small due to the continued threat of the possible increase of COVID cases. However, it will not deter us from preparing our feast of thanks and giving. 

Over the years, we've created a Thanksgiving tradition in my family by relating verbally what we are thankful for. I think that this year we will add one more thing...What are we planning to do in kindness and love to give back to our community? My grandkids will find this question interesting.  I can't wait to hear their responses!! 

AND
You know what?
Being Grateful & Thankful makes us feel good inside. And that's a blessing!
Be well. Stay safe. 
You are all such a blessing to Dagger and me.
We are very grateful to call all of you our friends!!
OH, AND before I forget...
​You have my permission to have that extra helping of pie!! Go for it!!
​You deserve it!!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
xo Yvonne