Simple Gratitude

November is the month of appreciation and after coming back from Vietnam I am especially grateful for all I have. In the past, Thanksgiving Day was set aside to be cognizant of the abundance of food which was raised in the summer and then put away for the winter. There is no longer a need to celebrate the bringing in of our crops. With the speed of flight we can have mangos from the other side of the world and fish from the coast, in a matter of hours. So why not start this holiday season with simple gratitude.

As I walked by a stream today and peered around to see what I could be grateful for in the simplest form, I found color. The sky was a brilliant blue and the leaves still held some of their golden hue. I recalled a friend I was with last night who has had cataract surgery; her daughter shared how her mom could now see colors again. I then realized how I take my sight for granted.  It caused me to contemplate, what would my life be like if there was no color in it. (As I write this I am recalling colorful people who I am happy to have known as well as the colors which surround me).

When thinking of the gifts that have been bestowed upon us, we often recall people, shelter, finances, and emotional perks. Bring your consciousness down to simple pleasures. Let this holiday, and every day, be a time of recalling what makes your life full and start with the basics. What would life be like if you could not walk, talk, or hear? By starting out each day with these thoughts, you will find that with the arrival of Thanksgiving, you will have a heart full of love for that which is elementary in life. This gratitude for simple pleasures will expand the joy you feel every day.

May I say today that I am also thankful for you, the people who touch my life, sometimes only for a night, yet the light in your eyes stays in my heart and nourishes me every day. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You give my life meaning.

Many Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
 Marnie Vincolisi