Appreciating Family - A Thanksgiving Intention

This time of year, families from all over the country get together to give thanks for everything they have, as a unit, and on an individual level.

Sometimes, these family reunions can stir up fear, angst, and a general nauseous feeling in some people. Knowing that the holidays approach, we think, "Do I really need to see Aunt Rita?" "I've never really liked my mother/father/sibling, and now I have to spend more time with them."

At this time, instead of the nervous, anxious family feelings, try to tap into the warm, tender feelings in relation to family. Perhaps think, "Wow, it's great that we can all get together like this. Who knows if it will be like this all the time."

This might be hard. It's hard for a lot of people. But there is nothing like a really nice family moment. When you look around at the people in the room and think, "This is really nice. Life is great."

You can have that moment. Maybe not all the time, but you can have those nice, family moments.

It starts with doing what you can to focus on the positives of the people in the room. No one is perfect, and you can't choose your family. But if you can see the light in them, if you can tap into the love that resides in the heart somewhere, then maybe, just maybe, this Thanksgiving will be different than the one before it.

Let's set the intention that this year is going to be pleasant. This year is going to be hopeful. This year we will have that moment when we look around the room and smile that warm happy feeling, and appreciate family. Because although we don't get to choose our family, it's also the only one we've got.

And unless we intend our lives in advance, today, days before we even think about traveling for the holidays, it becomes that much harder to achieve.

Have a happy Holiday Season!