Elvira Burgo

In 1621, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in gratitude for the bountiful harvest.  The tradition of giving thanks for the blessings received continues today.  

Stuffing that big ol’ turkey is not an easy feat, however.  90% of Americans eat the bird, according to the National Turkey Federation.  Thanks to our past, current, and future presidents for sparing at least one or two turkeys yearly.   

Once cooked, the turkey is delectable.   

To that, I am grateful.

Over the years, I’ve hosted a couple of Thanksgivings.  But do people know how much work goes into it?  We sometimes go over the top because we want everything to turn out just right.  But how stressed are we?  No matter how much we plan, there are always those last-minute items.

We do have a lot to juggle as ladies.  

We learn from the best.  Our mothers.  They sure do an excellent job of modeling.  Dr. Phil states, “The biggest influence on a child’s development is the behavior of the same-sex parent.   And the lessons they learn from watching how their parents behave, for good or ill, will last them a lifetime.”  (Source: Life Code, 237).  

Did you know the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” Sarah Josephina Hale, lobbied Abraham Lincoln to proclaim the National Holiday?  Hale was the author of the children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”  She thought the holiday could help the wounds from the Civil War.  (www.history.com)

Despite the stressors of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the blessings, the guests that showed up, and my mom.  When our mind focuses on all we are thankful for, we’re more likely to feel happy.  

This Thanksgiving, I will be grateful to you, my reader, and everyone who contributed to my website and blog.  

Your time and support mean so much.

I APPRECIATE YOU.

Gratitude is a beautiful thing. Here are ways to cultivate it. 

How to Cultivate Gratitude

• Write down three things you are grateful for the day, even the little things we take for granted.  
• Tell the people in your life what they mean to you and how you feel.  As important as this is, we tend not to do this as often as we should.  Why wait until someone dies to share all the beautiful traits about them?  I don’t get it.  
• Share your blessings with others.  Smile at someone if you are in a good mood.  
• Keep a gratitude journal.  In this way, you are making practicing gratitude a habit.  
• Make gratitude a part of who you are.  If Thanksgiving is the only time you are grateful, that’s fine, but gradually work to add more appreciation to your life.
• Savor your blessings at the moment they happen.  That’s mindfulness.
• Get a gratitude tree.  I found one at the store the other day.  On each leaf, you write down what you are grateful for each day and place it on the tree.  It’s a visual reminder to be mindful and grateful.  Though, you do have to assemble the tree pieces.  

I wish you and your family all the blessings this Thanksgiving. 

Thanks for reading.

Elvira