Oh, sweet Thanksgiving. I mean, really. There isn’t much better than a day or three spent with family RIGHT before the busiest time of the year. The classics like creamy mashed potatoes, pecan pie, sweet potato casserole, and a yummy ham — all help make the holiday that much more amazing. Throw in a couple competitive family games and lots of laughs and storytelling — and you have a pretty good picture of what my day looked like.

I’m abundantly blessed. And so are you.

I find myself, though, every single Thanksgiving a little bit stressed. These are the thoughts running through my brain. “Am I being thankful enough today?” “Have I sent all my friends a text saying that I appreciate them?” “Am I feeling as happy as I should be today?” “Should I post something on social media to make sure people know I’m thankful for all my blessings?”

Pressure. Pressure to ensure that I’m living up to the spirit of Thanksgiving. The spirit of gratitude and appreciation.

Whenever I’m feeling frustrated or frazzled, I turn to my best friend. . .  who also happens to be my husband (AKA – 💙Hub💙). Hub is super patient and such a good listener. Turns out that I am a little more emotional of a human being than he is. 😂😉 Normally, I can’t see past the next five minutes when I am feeling overwhelmed about something. I also tend to bring stress upon myself and blow things (at least a little) out of proportion. 😬

As I was unloading all this to hub yesterday – and finally “got it all out.” He just stopped me and said something like this. “Babe, Thanksgiving is not just a one-day thing. It’s more about being thankful always, not feeling pressured to get it all in today. You are thankful; don’t make yourself feel that you’re not.”

Well, duh. . . I knew that. Sometimes, though, it takes hearing it at just the right moment in order for it to truly sink in.

So, this is the truth.

Nothing really changes the Day after Thanksgiving.

When I woke up today, I have. . .

• The same blessings.
• The same God on my side.
• The same loving hub.
• The same amazing family.
• The same faithful friends.
• The same church in which to worship.
• The same country, full of freedom and opportunity.
• The same job, where I can learn and grow and become a better teacher.
• The same cute, little house.
• The same necessities. (i.e. Furniture, Clothes, Shoes, Glasses, Towels)
• The same extras. (i.e. Wifi, Phone, Computer, Camera, Cute Home Decor)
• The same personality, with all its uniqueness.
• The same life, with all its areas for growth.

And, if you think about it, friend. . . You have a list that looks pretty similar to this, too!

T H A N K S G I V I N G  is not just a day. It’s a lifestyle.

Join me in celebrating gratitude on the Day after Thanksgiving.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash