by Dianne Lobes

Created on: November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving is a delicious time of warm hugs at the open front door, cozy football and movies with loved ones in the living room, and full, sleepy bellies by the fire. There's hardly anything better in the world than being with those loving folks you don't get to see nearly enough.

For many, Thanksgiving comes and goes with no thanks consciously being given, except for the obligatory grace said over the turkey. The World has intervened too much on this holiday and we have forgetten why we gather.

We grab for the phone to make dates with old friends, or for more of those great biscuits at the table; we scramble for the best seat in front of the tube, or for time on the now-communal computer. We stay up late, sleep in really, really late while Mom cooks, and maybe drink a little too much. All fun stuff. for sure, but not exactly the reason for the season.

What about taking time to be thankful for the most important relationship in your life?

That would be your relationship with yourself. Have you ever given thanks for You?

It could be life-changing.

What would happen if you were grateful for your innate strength, your perseverance, the intelligence you show in projects large and small? Have you ever thanked yourself for your silly sense of humor, which has shielded you from stress and saved your scrawny derriere in more than one thorny situation? What about your way with words - have you thanked yourself for that?

We know the power of an attitude of gratitude from rigorous scientific research and from Oprah. The short story is: Thankfulness works to bring more good things into your life. Your sterling qualities may choose to emerge more often and more easily if you are overtly thankful for them. This might be worth some research of your own.

Take some time and write down all the things that you love about yourself. Go for it; include everything. Find or draw a graphic that symbolizes this quality for you. Reflect on all your uniqueness, all that you are, all that you are becoming. Now give it up for yourself - props for You, for real.

Remember to include qualities that we take for granted, like being able to walk, being able to go out whenever we want, being able to taste, and having vision, whether literal or figurative. Include whatever speaks to your heart and soul and whatever strengthens your tendency to be thankful.

You may be surprised at the results, and how immediate they are.

Happy Thanksgiving, You. Now come sit by the fire and have another biscuit. Relax and dream. You deserve it - you're pretty terrific.

Learn more about this author, Dianne Lobes.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.