Remember to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, celebrating with friends and family, and EATING! And there is usually a lot of eating at that. In the American culture, and many other cultures, food is part of every celebration. I urge you to keep it part of the celebration, but to readjust your focus away from food being the center of the celebration. When gathered on Thursday, think about what the holiday really means to you. Engage in conversations instead of engaging in the appetizers. Put your fork down, breathe, give thanks, and pick it back up. Catch up with your cousin before going back for seconds, and maybe, just maybe, the break will allow your stomach to catch up and realize you don't need the second helping. Help with the dishes instead of helping "clean-up" the sweets table. Finish your meal with a reflection on all that you have to give thanks about and you will feel satisfied - just give yourself the chance.