Say Thank You to Yourself

If you're reading this, you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

You made it. You didn’t give up.

No matter what got cancelled, postponed, fell apart, or just didn’t turn out the way you pictured – you survived it all. So as you’re preparing for Thanksgiving this week, whether you plan to eat with family and friends or by yourself, take a moment from today through Thursday to be good to yourself.

Look in the mirror and say “thank you.” It takes a lot to maneuver life these days, between dozens of Zoom calls, working at your kitchen table, homeschooling, or just trying to keep yourself and your family healthy.

We all need a pat on the back, but since we are socially distancing, you’ll need to pat yourself on the back and not feel bad about it.

I keep a large decorative container on my dresser that I call my “Blessings Jar.” Every time something good happens to me that’s really special, I write it down on a piece of paper and drop it in the jar.

On Jan. 1st, I pour out all of the blessings and read them one by one and reflect on all of the positive activities of the previous year. I’ve noticed that my pile of blessings increases every year. The blessing jar is an act of gratitude. I use my blessing jar as a tangible way to thank God for the many blessings bestowed upon me.

My request to you today is to recognize and appreciate yourself for all that you’ve endured during this time. My call to action is for YOU to affirm yourself. If you have a blessings jar or gratitude journal, take it out and thank yourself for doing whatever it took to bring each of those blessings to pass. James 2:20 says that…. “faith without works is dead.” I say, every positive reaction is preceded by an ACTION!

I know that some days, it took more energy than others just to get out of bed and dress yourself halfway decently (above the waist) just in time for the 10 a.m. online meeting. With dogs barking and kids crying, it was just TOO MUCH to ask you to appear on camera.

It’s ok, we all understand, because in one way or another, we’re all in the same spot – some days it’s just TOO MUCH!

Just in case no one has told you yet, let me tell you that it’s also ok if you don’t pull out all the stops this Thanksgiving.

Do what feels good to you; that might mean cooking and baking all week, or having your dinner delivered, or like me somewhere in between. What’s most important right now is that you take care of yourself.

Pay attention to your body and your mind. Take some time to stop - rest, laugh, love, sing, and dance. And, don’t forget to thank yourself and thank God for making it through one of the toughest times in our history.