A Thanksgiving Twist

Sharon E. Reed
Photo courtesy of Marynbtol
Photo courtesy of Marynbtol

This year I am thankful.

Not just for the usual things, like family, friends and a roof over my head;

Nor just for my children, food, or the blessing of good health (though I am immensely grateful for each).

No, this year I am thankful… not just for the things that went right; but also for the things that went wrong.

I am thankful for those challenges that pushed me beyond my fears and into my dreams, creating new pathways for learning, growth and personal enrichment.

For those daily struggles that remind me both of how far I’ve come, and how far I still have to go.

For the gifts of humility, resiliency and purpose.

For the gifts of hope, surrender, and joy.

This year I am thankful… not just for the things that went right, but also for the things that went wrong.

Despite the uncertainty of my father’s illness, I am thankful for precious time to be fully present; for the opportunity to grow closer and to learn things about him I might otherwise never have known.

I am grateful to those friends and colleagues from recent years and the distant past, whose collective belief in me continues to pave the way to new opportunities.

I am equally grateful to those who by closing a door, enabled others to open.

I am thankful for unforeseen ‘time-outs’ this past year, without which I might never have found the courage to live my voice out loud.

For out of despair, comes hope.

Out of struggle, comes perseverance.

Out of confusion and chaos, comes clarity of purpose, meaning and value.

I’m curious…

As you reflect on the past year and this season of Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for?

9 thoughts on “A Thanksgiving Twist”

    1. Thank you. I’m a big believer in the idea that there are gifts to be found amidst our struggles, if we are willing readjust our lens. Sometimes the trials and voids in our lives are the very things that create a foundation of gratitude for the blessings we do have.

      Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

      Like

      Reply

  4. Love this post!

    This really resonated with me…

    “For out of despair, comes hope.

    Out of struggle, comes perseverance.

    Out of confusion and chaos, comes clarity of purpose, meaning and value.”

    Beautiful words, much truth, much meaning and much value!

    Thanks for sharing Sharon…. It touched my heart.
    Lolly

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Lolly. Though we are on different journeys, there always seems to be an almost serendipitous weaving of words and ideas collectively shared by this family you created called Lead From Within.

      This Thanksgiving, I extend a heart of gratitude to you for the courage by which you live your own voice out loud and your gift of inspiration that you so selflessly share with others.

      Sharon

      Like

      Reply

I'd love to hear your thoughts!