by: Although George Washington got the ball rolling with a proclamation, it wasn't until 1863--right in the middle of the Civil War--that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. What a time time to be giving thanks, right? Perhaps being grateful has always had less to do with circumstances and more with attitude after all.
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. This simple, humble holiday doesn't have the same sparkle as some of the other holidays, but then again, nor is it shrouded in stress and commitment. {I just need to make sure my pumpkin cheesecake rocks!} For most of us, it's pretty easy to get complacent and comfortable--forgetting just how much we have to be thankful for. Plus, being thankful is positively good for us! There are plenty of studies that conclude that being grateful has a positive impact on one's health. If you have a sec, here's a lighthearted article from The NY Times that cites several of them.
A little wisdom & a little Thanksgiving humor ...
Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.
~Charles Dickens
Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.
~W. T. Purkiser
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.
~Willie Nelson
Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.
~William Faulkner
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
~Proverbs 17: 22
Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.
~Johnny Carson
Thanksgiving, man! Not a good day to be my pants.
~Kevin James
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Anonymous
What's the best part of Thanksgiving for you?
*See you tomorrow--when we reveal our HUGE Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday SALE!
