Anticipation. A crowded home full of favorite guests. Joyous chaos. Clamoring conversations. Savory aromas. The stress of getting everything done for one day is coming to an end. Thanksgiving has finally arrived. Take your places. Let the celebration begin!
That was then—2019—pre COVID-19. 2020 implores us to reconfigure our days, to forego our traditions, to release our expectations. Our intentions have been disrupted by what requires our immediate attention. Our conversations take place from different venues and contain atypical content. Our actions too frequently misrepresent our values.
We have adapted to live with stress as our daily morning alarm clock, awakening to another day of living and navigating through the expected unforeseen. We are learning to live with grief and loss, small, joyful surprises and resiliency we didn’t know we had. We have watched ‘everything matters’ morph into ‘nothing matters’ morph into ‘what exactly does matter’? We matter. That’s what matters. Each of us.
Your Thanksgiving table may have extra room and far less conversation as you find yourself seated at a table of one, two or simply a few. It’s a perfect time to welcome and embrace intimate conversations. Quieter discussion comprising curiosity, reflection, compassion, contemplation, gratitude and grace. More pauses. More generosity of heart. More of what matters—the expression of your very own soul and spirit.
To each of you, I thank you for your generosity of spirit, your willingness to welcome me into your life, to trust in mutual growth and learning, to expand beyond the limitations of grief and to believe in joy—ALLways. It’s a quiet conversation I have daily—being thankful for the intimate conversations of what has meaning, what matters. Us. Each of us.
Happy Thanksgiving. I’m grateful you’re part of my life.
enJOY, Mary
Contemplate:
Intimate Conversation Starters/Placeholders
- When I am still, I contemplate about:
- I have experienced compassion through:
- I have been more generous in:
- I am most grateful for:
- I find grace when:
