On this soon to be upon us day of giving thanks, I find myself thinking of something a guest said during a newsmaker’s panel discussion I watched, in reference to the results of the 2016 presidential election. The panelist suggested, that when we sit down to give thanks this year surrounded by those important to our lives, instead of stating what we’re thankful for, take time to think instead, of what we’ve learned.
So, that’s what I’m doing. I am thinking about what I’ve learned. In the span of the past 2 weeks my life as I knew it, changed. I’m someone who has almost always embraced change, but not this time.
I’ve been distracted for days and yesterday I found myself once again procrastinating from the task at hand. I relented and gave myself permission to just sit and read through every word of every post I wrote, in real time, as we trekked across Spain in April and May of 2015. And, I read every comment of support that was posted in response to my posts.
I can’t tell you how glad I am I chronicled our journey, not only because I was able to share our story with all of you, but because it reminded me that if I can walk 350 miles across Spain, I can do pretty much anything. Including, accepting that my life has changed. It doesn’t mean I have to embrace said change, but it does mean I have to once again redefine my path.
One thing I know for certain is that I am not alone in having to figure out the lesson learned, or hope to learn. People from all walks of life, from all over the United States and around the world are connecting, staying engaged and keeping the dialogue moving forward, trying to find a purpose in all of this. Because surely, we could not have been thrust into such acataclysmic shift if there was not a lesson to be learned.
“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” – Deepak Chopra
When I sit down to dinner on this soon to be upon us day of giving thanks, I’m going to reflect on what I’ve learned; that out of chaos comes calm. Because even when I feel as if my life will never again be quite the same, it’s up to me what I do about it and I’ve already proven that I can do pretty much anything.
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We are strong, and will survive.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Gaelyn recently posted…Celebrate the cultural melting pot called America–Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Gaelyn!
Wise words and a very fitting post. Stay strong. Happy Thanksgiving to you both.
Amy recently posted…Loy Krathong, Yi Peng and a bit of Lantern-Related Terror
Thank you, Amy. Continued safe travels to you and Andrew!
It is a steep learning curve for sure….and we are all learning together. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Abi
Gilda Baxter recently posted…A Weekend in East Devon and Our First Airbnb Experience
Thank you, Gilda, always appreciate your support.
We are brave. We are strong. We are Pushy Broads.
We are indeed!
I too, have always thought of change as a positive experience and, in a fundamental shift, my whole worldview has been changed in the space of a couple of weeks. I love the fact that you’ve found ways to reflect on what you’ve learned but also ways to counter the onrush of anxiety and fear, negativity and hate. Happy Thanksgiving to both you and Abi!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…Emigrating, Immigrating and Celebrating Our First Year in Portugal
Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! 🙂