In Everything Give Thanks

In Everything Give Thanks

I recall taking on the challenge to write down on a few pieces of paper the things for which I am thankful. My initial thought was that this wouldn't be that difficult or take long. I try to be a thankful person (I thought) so I confidently started to write down the usual things like—thanks for my family, friends and my faith that gives me hope and passion in life. After a pause I continued thanking for our comfortable home, a car that runs well (even though 14 yrs old), food in our cupboards, our health, and our golden doodle (mix of golden retriever and poodle) that wiggles his entire body and seeks me out with such excitement each time I arrive home. 

Then after adding a few more thoughts, thank you for the beauty of the trees, the fabulous artistry of the colorful fall leaves falling and blowing around and the unique glow of a fall sunset. Then I hit the wall as if I had just ran out of things to be thankful for. While part of me felt good, even content with my list thus far I wasn't the least bit satisfied with my accomplishment. I was a bit stunned at my loss of thought. I took a break and walked away from this assignment to clear my head while constantly thinking about “what I am truly thankful for.” 

I had done this before, over ten years ago and I couldn't seem to think, so I went outside and walked around with our dog Tanner who seems to be so curious about everything around him (ie. a blowing leaf, different animal sounds or the possibility of high excitement to run after a squirrel he will never catch).  He always seems to bring a smile to my face. I recalled a bible verse, “all good things come from above” (James 1:17) that gave comfort. Then it started to snow and it reminded me of a story about Louie Armstrong, arguably the greatest jazz trumpet player ever. He was in between sets playing and had been feeling down, sensing that he was stuck and couldn't seem to create new music, which he is so well known for. Then as he gazed out the window as large snowflakes started to fall and he reached out and examined one, then another and looked intently at the unique designs of each. Not one is like the other and as he gazed up and saw hundreds more falling his thoughts changed towards thankfulness for the realization of the limits he placed on himself. He performed with the passion he so often was noted for and was re-energized. As I sat down and began adding to my list numerous thoughts flowed readily onto to the paper and quickly surpassed my initial, rather surface thoughts on what I am thankful for.

What I found out in the upcoming days and weeks afterwards while I was still actively adding to my list—I found that I was happier, challenges weren't as difficult and I was more enjoyable to be around. I had more energy, slept better and was more curious about the new things I would learn and started to dream about the future ahead of me. So I try to challenge others to be thankful in all things for when we truly thankful we shift from a me focus to a larger perspective of our life.

Blessings to all this Thanksgiving,
David Sliefert, MA, LPC

Professional Counselor

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