This may seem kind of weird to most people, but I’ve never been a big fan of holidays. Before you call me a Scrooge or a Jehovah’s Witness, please hear me out.
The reason why holidays never resonated with me is because it always seemed odd that it took a certain day of celebration to be in the “holiday spirit”. Why can’t we always be in the holiday spirit? Why do we need to set aside a specific day to be jolly or express our gratitude for things in our life? Can’t we be merry and joyous about life on just any average Tuesday? In my experience, the feelings associated with holidays always seems a bit forced and not always entirely genuine.
However, I don’t want to deny anyone a reason to have jubilant celebration so forget about my silly beliefs on holidays. As I’ve grown older I’ve begun to appreciate them much more. But it hasn’t always been that way.
Anyhow, Thanksgiving is a day for us to express our gratitude and thanks for the things we have in our life. There is no doubt that I’m beyond blessed for the life I live. Even though I’ve given away just about everything I own in the last couple months, I feel like I have more than I’ll ever need in this life.
But it doesn’t take a day like Thanksgiving for me to reflect on what I’m grateful for. Laying next to my bed is a “Gratitude Journal” and when I awake most mornings, I jot down the very first thing that comes to mind that makes me grateful. Sometimes it’s as simple as a walk I had with my dog, other times it’s gratitude for my health or appreciation for those in my life.
Today I’m grateful for not only the grand experiences I’ve had of late, but also the absolutely horrific ones. I’ve literally had the best few months in my life, coupled with the worst of the worst. And believe it or not, I’m actually grateful and thankful for that.
The ups and downs have molded me in a way that I’m so appreciative of. Sure, the downs hurt. They hurt a lot. I’ve never shed so many tears, had such heartache and felt so helpless in a variety of personal situations as of late. Many times it seems like I’ve totally lost my way and have reverted 15 years growth in the wrong direction.
The truth is, these experiences have forced me to grow within. Forced me to ask serious questions about myself and my life. And have forced me to step up in a way that I’d normally shun.
So while I’m grateful for all the great things and people in my life, I’m also very appreciative of all the challenges and hurdles set in front of me that make me a stronger man day by day.
I hope you have a splendid Thanksgiving with loved ones and get to stuff your belly with some serious fixins! And don’t forget, you can always express gratitude and joy on any given day. You don’t need a turkey and cranberry sauce on the table as a indicator that today is a perfect day to be appreciative.
Peace
Jason
Couldn’t have said it better myself. THANK YOU for being so cool and sharing your knowledge over the years (can you believe it’s been years!!??). Have an awesome Thanksgiving, and an awesome every day, too.
SaRita
Agreed Jason.
The gratitude Journal has been on my bed side again since you helped me out.
Thanks man :).
Here’s the link to the post I was talking about -> http://www.adilamarsi.com/gratitude-revisited-2011/ ?
Thanks for being great and keep it up 🙂
It is often the case in some lives that the worst of experiences seem to have the inner growth experiences there as well, for the taking, if we look for them.
Happy day to all.
As I get older I realize gratitude is one of the secrets to life. I agree Jason everyday is for Thanksgiving & it is so easy to lose sight of that fact.
As we set out on this incredible journey I want you to know I am grateful for your attitude & your friendship.
Happy Holidays
Man if this was a video you’d see me standing up and applauding! Well said Jason! I totally agree, why can’t we all learn to love and cherish each day and find the beauty in everything around us. Why do so many gravitate to negativity and find comfort in the hardships of others. We have so many things to be grateful for each and every day but we squander it on getting caught up in daily routine and not pausing long enough to take it all in.
I totally respect your lifestyle Jason and it’s absolutely amazing the freedom that you get to experience every morning.
Hi Jason,
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I f I see something that I would like to give to a loved one, I usually just do it. I do not like the pressure to find something at the right date etc. living every day a special day is the way to go. In addition one can celebrate these days like thanksgiving as a come-together which is nice.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Gerhard
Stepping Out Of Your Comfortzone?
Respect Bro!
Keep Going..
You are very inspiring.
Thanks for that.
Mani
I agree with you 100% Jason. 1 in 165 is a really small number.
I feel the same way about birthdays. Meaning, a persons birthday is the ONE day out of 365 that you can say “hey man, today is aaaaaaall about YOU. Which is why I DO NOT text someone, or just put it on their FB wall “happy birthday”. No, I’ll call’em and say “Hey dude (if its a buddy) I just wanted to say, before you toss to many back, I hope you have an awesome birthday man”.
Thanks again for expressing yourself from such a pure and sincere place, and I agree and relate to everything said.
Love it!
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this innermost truth! I am grateful, among other things, to be able to read your musings, and can appreciate what you are going through…. and I agree with you.
Watch for big problems. They disguise big opportunities. (Author unknown)
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Hey man I must agree with you. However, while this has been the most hellish year for me in quite some time. I must say, you don’t need one day to be thankful BUT Cranberry sauce and smoked ham damn sure helps me feel thankful!! Carry on wich yer bad self my mayne.
Thanks for the blessing of this post. Reminds me of the quote, “is being alive enough for you to feel gratitude.” Also of the statement, “think of all of the colors you have in your life – just look around – life is a beautiful abundant canvas.”
I’m grateful to be alive and to have a LIFE given to me by God. IDC if it pisses off anyone that I mentioned God there; Pretty interesting that some feel there is no such thing as spirit and we are just animals on the lowest of planes. Weird that this “disclaimer” would even need to be posted but n.e. way, thanks God for life 🙂
I feel you bro, keeping it REAL!
Heading out to get my Gratitude Journal Today.
Wise Words. Thx
I’m with you Jason. My 18 year old daughter has done some amazing things and I am so proud of her this year. My 19 year old daughter has just departed this world.
Up’s and down’s.
I am grateful too. Somehow all of this will shape an expanded existence for 2012.
Nice color choice on the blog. It is really easy on my eyes and I have bad eyes too so that’s a really big compliment lol