What It Really Means To Be Thankful

Every year, most of us gather around a dinner table and fill our gluttonous mouths with decedent foods that Paula Dean would be proud of while secretly hoping that your cousin Sam doesn't start talking about Donald Trump, or you are preparing a comeback for your aunt Molly for when she asks you if you really need to be a vegetarian. Then, more often than not, someone starts the Thankful Circle, and you must go around the table and share what you are thankful for. And almost always, we all stare at each other with moony eyes and say "my family," but what does it really mean to be thankful for anything? Whether you claim it is your health, a new job, or something else, is it a truthful answer to say that you are thankful?

By definition, thankful only means "pleased and relieved." Is that something that we want to feel when describing what means most? Simply relieved? Perhaps this is the case. Maybe sometimes we can only feel relieved that no one fought this year.

However, gratitude means "readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness."
Aren't those words much more soothing to read? Appreciation and kindness are two of the most important things we can feel in our lives. I suggest we stop being thankful for things and start showing gratitude.

I see people every day go into their day and passive-aggressively demand kindnesses be done unto them because they think they deserve it. My advice, if you wish to live a life that is based around love, compassion, and gratitude, then those people can continue to be harsh and ungrateful. Your kindness and appreciation should be spent on those who need it. Seek out those who suffer and show them kindness.

Everyday we have a choice to put forth our best self. Thanksgiving Day is no exception. And I'm not going to go into the whole Black Friday argument, or anything about the actual history of the holiday (because like every holiday in America, it is quite detached from its original meaning). But what I will say is that anything that you eat, shop for, or have already has an origin and we should all respect those origins. Compassion extends far beyond what you have in your daily lives, and these next 48-hours are quite horrid for many living beings on this planet.

As you sit wherever you may sit tonight, keep your heart and your mind open. Express kindness and show gratitude, don't just say you're "please and relived," for your family. Be bold with your love.

Have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!