What is Wrong with Me?

Recently I asked myself that question, and I looked inward for the answer because I sincerely wanted to know. I was certain there must be something wrong with me. Surely I must be an evil, awful person, that my own family didn’t invite me to join them for Thanksgiving. Right?

Wrong. With a bit of introspection, I realized there was absolutely nothing wrong with me, and it was not my fault that my half sister thought it was perfectly acceptable to exclude me from her holiday dinner. Even if we were in the middle of some huge family feud – which we aren’t – her actions would be less than kind. Given that the only reason she didn’t invite me is that she just doesn’t like me very much, I find her meanness reprehensible.

We’ve never fought or exchanged harsh words, and I have no idea why she feels the way she does about me. But by not inviting me, she’s shown me what’s inside her heart, and it’s not pretty.

I won’t lie. It did hurt that my half sister, her husband and kids, my step Mom, my brother, his wife and kids would all sit down to a Thanksgiving meal and think nothing of not including me. But life is all about those teachable moments, and this was one for me.

I learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. I am a good person, and I deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. That my family couldn’t do this on Thanksgiving … well, that’s their problem, not mine. 

I cooked a big turkey, and my cats and I feasted on that tasty bird for hours. I did not wallow in self pity, and I did not spend my day feeling bad that my family excluded me from their holiday table. And besides, my cats are far better company than any of them! LOL.

Do You Have an "Attitude of Gratitude" Every Day?

My kitties and I just wanted to wish each and every one of my dear blogging friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for all of the usual stuff, and then some.

My life is not perfect by any means, but I know that compared to many I am truly blessed. And I try very hard not to forget that. I think it's wonderful that Thanksgiving inspires people to be thankful for all the good things in their life. I do that too, but I also try to maintain the "attitude of gratitude" all year long.

According to the Law of Attraction, giving thanks for what you have causes more good to flow into your life. So every morning when I wake up, and every night in bed, I have a little ritual, a short period of thanks-giving where I verbally state what I give thanks for.

I always give thanks that my cats and I are safe, healthy and happy. I say this even when our health is not 100%, because I choose to focus on the positive and state how I want my life to be despite what the circumstance is. I also give thanks for a beautiful, perfect, happy, wonderful, productive day.

Having an attitude of gratitude helps to set the tone for my day, and even when things don't go smoothly it helps to maintain balance. Do I fall off the wagon and forget to be grateful, and find myself wallowing in despair when life throws the inevitable curve balls? Sure. I'm human. But my morning and evening thanks-giving ritual helps restore harmony.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and a blessed life.