It’s been a contemplative week. A dear friend has been in the hospital, an old friend has been struggling with some life issues and I’ve been feeling a little less zippy than usual. With Thanksgiving coming fast on our heels, I’m reminded to look for the goodness in all things and to see abundance where I am prone to sense a gap – in finances, in love, and in work.

While walking about with a slightly heavy heart, I thought of the kids I don’t yet have. Traveling down imagination lane made me think of my friends’ kids who I know and love so dearly. I wondered, what could Thanksgiving mean to them, at 6, 7 and 8 years of age?

So I called up Zoe, age 8, for a little realignment (you can always count on kids for realignment!):

Carol: Hey Zoe, what are your favorite things about Thanksgiving?

Zoe: Eating turkey and mashed potatoes.

Carol: Yeah? Anything else? Like a favorite memory?

Zoe: It was funny when we dressed Capo [their dog] up like a pilgrim.

Carol: How fun! OK, what about Thanksgiving – what does it mean to you?

Zoe (without hesitation): I’m really thankful for my house and all the food I eat and I’m glad I get to live in this country in a good neighborhood with a good mom and dad and a good school.

Carol: That’s a lot. You’re lucky, Zoe.

Zoe: I know. I also really like how I get to bake the pie with my mom.

I love how Zoe skipped saying, “Thanksgiving means being thankful for….” Instead, she went straight to the heart of what she’s thankful for. It’s like she carries this gratitude with her daily, regardless of the holiday. Thank you Zoe for reminding me that goodness follows me everywhere I go!

This is what I love about Thanksgiving. It offers everyone the chance to turn inward and rejoice over our gifts while considering how we may give. Perhaps that is what I love most about this holiday, we each have our own spin on what Thanksgiving means. We can make the holiday mean whatever we want – from finding common ground to continuing the time-honored tradition of beating our cousins in football.

Even more, we can make it mean something different every year. This year I’m taking time out to celebrate my good fortune by baking new recipes and sharing an amazing meal with friends and family. Is that any different than last year? Not really, but, I won’t be in Moab on my mountain bike. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to dance around – it’s only my favorite thing!

But enough about me, what about you? Send me your reflections on what Thanksgiving means or your favorite turkey day traditions and I’ll raise a glass to you and give thanks this holiday season!

Enjoy,

Carol

Thanks to rachel r, stuckincustoms, and sassyradish for the use of their excellent photos.