As Thanksgiving rolls up this week, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel plans, preparing dinners, cheering for your favorite football team, or, for many people, diving into holiday shopping. Let’s face it: most of us blow through the holiday season at warp speed. However, this year, I’d like to plant a different seed in your mind: things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, things that you might have taken for granted in years past.
Life, whether with Parkinson’s or without, has a way of teaching us the value of gratitude. So, as you wake up this Thanksgiving morning, take a moment to notice these five things and give thanks for them:
1. Freedom of Beliefs and Gratitude Practices
Before the meal, many families pause for a blessing, a toast, or a moment of silence. Give thanks for the freedom to honor your beliefs in whatever way feels right to you. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply expressing gratitude aloud, this practice connects us to what matters most.
2. Friends and Family
As you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal, look around the table (or reflect on those in your heart). Be thankful for the presence of loved ones, whether in person or in spirit. Cherish the connections that bring warmth, laughter, and meaning to your life. This holiday is a perfect time to share your appreciation for the people who enrich and brighten your days.
3. The Power of a Positive Mindset
Gratitude, hope, and determination are tools that help us navigate life’s twists and turns. Take a moment to appreciate the mindset that keeps you moving forward on Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a quiet confidence, the ability to find joy in small moments, or simply the resolve to keep going, your perspective is a gift that fuels your journey.
4. The Strength of Your Body and Mind
No matter where you are in life (If you’re living with Parkinson’s or not), your mind and body carry you through each day. If you’re managing a condition like Parkinson’s, be thankful for every movement, every small victory, and every moment of clarity you have. Each one of these is a testament to your resilience.
For those without such challenges, pause to appreciate the gift of movement and thought that often goes unnoticed. Your body is your constant companion, and your mind is your greatest ally. Both deserve gratitude for their role in your journey, whether it’s in overcoming obstacles or simply helping you live each day to the fullest.
5. The Progress You’ve Made This Year
Reflect on the changes you’ve experienced in 2024. Have you embraced new habits, learned something new, or found a way to overcome a challenge? Even small steps toward health, happiness, or personal growth are worth celebrating. Be proud of your progress, and let it inspire your vision for the year ahead.
This Thanksgiving, let’s slow down and take stock of what truly matters. Gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s a practice that can transform how we live, move, and connect with the world around us.
I wish you a peaceful, joyful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving 2024!
