I hope this finds you well and happy. No astrology forecast this week, changing it up, felt drawn to talk about Thanksgiving.
The holidays are filled with expectations and emotions as well as tons of calories so they can be challenging to many of us, me included. So much cultural emphasis is placed on this time of year that to be happy you must have the large family around an exquisitely decorated table, eat and home cook the traditional turkey and stuffing and smile and laugh through all the stress. Not many of us fit the family, color, sexual orientation or lifestyle template.
Why do we continue to resist change and go with the status quo expectation? I am the first person to say rituals are an important way to document our history and add a sense of timelessness but I would like to give everyone who reads this a break. YOU have permission (including yours truly) to cry, yell, be messy, not decorate, order out, sit alone and read, go to the park, wash your car, sleep all day, unfriend someone on Face book, or whatever makes YOU feel love and nourished. You don't have to buy what is on sale at Fry's and make the meal everyone is expecting. Go ahead be different and relax. You can make the rules.
We have a lot to be thankful for; make a list and focus on that. You will be amazed at how your attitude shifts with gratitude for what IS and letting go of what ISN'T. How would Thanksgiving Day look if we started from scratch without the fussy requirements of turkey, etc? What would your day be filled with? Prayer? Board games? Football and eating? Giving your plenty to others? How would you celebrate your blessings? Maybe create a new ritual this year, no rules, simply meaning. Some noble folks head to feed the needy during this time of year, which is a wonderful thing. I challenge everyone to pick another time to share your generosity maybe in the summer when it's a million degrees out. You could share your time or abundance to those living on the street, the elderly, children, domestic violence shelters, Veterans groups or whoever. Whatever you decide is perfect. When we are grateful for what we have, giving is easy because then we see how blessed we are. Reach out to anyone that has a hole in his or her life.*
Be yourself. Be Compassionate. Be Thankful.
I am thankful for each day I take a breath.
I am thankful for all my loving family and friends.
I am thankful for those with whom I disagree or have difficulties because this is how I am learning to be more compassionate.
I am thankful for being heard and validated.
I am thankful for my children who challenge me to be a better parent.
I am thankful for the ability to adjust to changes and grow.
I am thankful for the creative spirit that inspires passions in all of us.
I am thankful for having food, a comfortable home and warm hugs.
I am thankful for God always guiding me towards healthy decisions and greater wisdom.
I am thankful for and wish continued good health to ALL and many, many blessings to everyone.
*Short list of links to volunteer opportunities:
www.phoenixrescuemission.org - Homeless shelter and resource center
www.tumbleweed.org - Homeless youth aged 15-25
www.freeartsaz.org - Free Arts for Abused children
www.lodestardrc.org - Lodestar Day Resource Center
www.umom.org - UMOM New Day Centers, Inc. Serves single moms.
www.handsonphoenix.org - HandsOn Greater Phoenix
www.voaz.org - Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona
Contact me today by phone: 480-242-4922 OR email: Diane@azhealingarts.com.
Set up an individual consultation and discover the talents and opportunities that you were born with as well as get practical advice to use today's transits in your life.
Diane Fales is a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Astrologer, Coach, Artist and Freedom fighter.