“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual teacher and author

How are you? I hope you aren’t stressing about the Thanksgiving holiday and any gatherings you might be planning. Take a deep breath! Maybe take a few of them until any anxiety or worry settles! For many of you this may be the first time you’re celebrating a holiday with family and friends. And for some of you it may be old news. In the past, we have always hosted Thanksgiving. With Covid that changed. Holidays can feel stressful for a variety of reasons whether you are hosting a gathering or not. In light of this I’ve been asking, “What’s the most important thing about this Thanksgiving holiday?” For me, it’s a perfect time to reflect, remember, and acknowledge the many blessings and abundance in my life! How about you?

Many people have expressed concerns about rising food costs and in some cases lack of availability of some food favorites. Rather than dwell on what’s not available let’s focus on what is available. Perhaps it means offering some different dishes on our menus but let’s remember what’s important! Is it the food or the gathering of friends, family, and community? Of course the meal is comforting in its tradition and bounty; however, it’s the people who participate as you celebrate health, relationships, kindness, and love. The foundation of your abundant life becomes front and center.

What if this year’s celebration is viewed through a new lens – a lens of gratitude, abundance, and love? Let go of how you celebrated this holiday in the past. Let it be new. Everyone is not who they were. Changes have taken place. Even you may feel different! What if changes in how you celebrate and the menu you create are encouraged? What if your focus becomes creating a stress free day being present and filled with the people you love? American poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, has said, “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present . . . gratefully.”

I am grateful for the opportunity to host a small group of family for Thanksgiving this year. Don’t get me wrong, I have had my moments of feeling overwhelmed while creating a new menu. I am grateful that my family has volunteered to bring some of the dishes. I am grateful that I get to spend ‘in-person’ time with them as we give thanks for each other and those family members who aren’t with us this year. Although the number of people joining us are fewer and the menu has changed I am grateful that my husband and I are able to host our celebration! I am grateful each morning when I wake up that I am here another day on earth to enjoy my friends and family. I am grateful to be able to help others as well. Motivational speaker and author, Steve Maraboli, has said, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love – then make that day count.”

So, this Thanksgiving I’m planning to enjoy it more consciously with a grateful and open heart with as little stress as possible! I plan to make our celebration count and focus on my relationships with each of my family members with gratitude! I’m sure that whatever we serve will be enjoyed but what is important is how we value and interact with one another – how we love! How about you?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you about your holiday celebration too! I’m grateful for each one of you and thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter/blog articles. I’m sending you lots of love and wish you a blessed Thanksgiving holiday if you celebrate it! If you don’t I’m still sending you lots of love and wish you a blessed week! Please stay safe if you’re traveling as well.

I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.