7 Things I Am Grateful For This Thanksgiving Day
Disclaimer
This blog post has nothing to do with turkeys, shop-til-you-drop or any excess whatsoever.
Quite the opposite.
It is about single-mindedness and simplicity and, it is about finding gratitude and blessings in the journey of life and making it this far.
"This far" applies to every one of us because no human's journey is a straight line or perfect.
When you approach life with that learning and mindset, the game changes.
My 7 Things
1. The Authenticity of Wealthy Affiliate
I was at a low point in my life when I joined Wealthy Affiliate (WA) in 2019. I did not see the world as being kind to me or feel that I wanted to participate much in it.
That was a tough place to be in with a gifted 9-year-old daughter to raise.
But, somewhere along the way, people kept popping up in WA to show me my gifts and cheer me on, too many to mention individually.
This COMMUNITY, this here space, this here world helped me to find my voice again, take pride in who I am and gave me the strength to rise higher.
THANK YOU TO EACH OF YOU!
2. My Daughter
My daughter, like me, is not perfect but we travel this life path together and she NEVER lets me forget it.
Her support is endless and the little things she does like falling asleep on the couch with me to keep my company while I work into the wee hours brings tears to my eyes every single time.
3. The Ability to Give More Than I Receive
This was once something that caused me to hold in a lot of anger and disappointment. I am always the one volunteering and giving but, as I thought, receive little in return.
Then, I came to WA and was blown away that so many gave so much, freely and without the expectation of anything in return.
Only the success of others.
It was a profound lesson for me.
When we give we must give freely and with good intent because it ALWAYS comes back to us. Maybe not from to where or whom you gave but where you need it most and at the right time.
4. Health & Well-Being
COVID taught me that this could be taken away from you in an instant. Age is not a factor.
We came through the pandemic untouched and I repositioned myself on a holistic path.
Diet, exercise, nature, friendships, laughter, giving and love fill our lives daily.
5. Building our Own Family
I come from a broken home and a shattered lineage - on both sides of the fence. When I think about it, I kind of raised myself because my father was absent and my Mum was away for most of my life doing her best to make a "better" life for us.
As I hopped and skipped around the world, I happened into the lives of others - many others. Some became more than friends.
They became confidants and family choosing to open their homes to me and support me through some of the most challenging parts of my life journey.
6. Creating My Own Lifestyle
This is HUGE!
This morning, at 11 am, it started to rain.
I left my work at home, grabbed a book and some change, headed to Starbucks, bought my favourite Costa Rican coffee and sat outside for about an hour reading and listening to the sound of the rain.
As I watched the traffic go by and people in a hurry, grabbing lunch to return to their offices, I smiled, closed my eyes and thanked God for gifting me the ability to afford the life and lifestyle I now cherish.
7. Realising That It Is All Small Stuff
I did not "grow up happy".
There were many reasons why that happened.
They resulted in me making decisions in my early life that reinforced my unhappiness.
I used to sweat EVERYTHING!
But today, today, I am truly happy. When I laugh, I laugh from my heart and soul. I know that I am blessed. I FEEL blessed.
There is not much that causes me to stress, let alone sweat.
Life is much simpler and a whole lot easier and lighter to carry now that I am at my Congruent Point.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I know that you also have many things that you are thankful for.
If you feel compelled to, share one - or two - with us and tell us why.
May the beauty and joy of Thanksgiving be with you all the year through.
Thank you, for the gift of you.
Cassi
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Recent Comments
66
That was an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing it. I share your feelings about WA and giving freely without the expectation of something in return.
I'm SO thankful to have found WA and become a member. I'm thankful that I spent most of the holiday today making products for customer orders I've received over the past two days.
I'm thankful for my health and my ability to still do all that I do both physically and mentally.
Like you, I went through some very dark and trying times in my past, and my attitude and demeanor portrayed the negativity I felt the majority of the time. Life still has its ups and downs, of course, but things are vastly improved over what they were at those low points in my life.
Thanks for giving more to be thankful for today Cassi. 😊
Kevin
We are connected souls on this journey, Kevin. 🤗
Thank you for your feedback, your support and for sharing.
Cassi
What a fantastic list Cassi, take care my friend and enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones!
👍🦃🥂🎉
A beautiful post, Cassi. It’s been a true pleasure learning from you and watching your journey over the years. Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan :-))
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Good morning Cassi,
Thank you for another thought-provoking and Thanksgiving blog post, it's appreciated.
I have to say that it's been wonderful to follow your story here at Wealthy Affiliate and to watch your business grow! Isn't it amazing how much we can do when we are focused and when we take action?
I know that life isn't always easy, and it can throw all sorts of things at us. The broken home is a big problem today, sadly, but it's amazing how many people still manage to push through.
It's always good to be thankful and grateful!
I'm amazed at how friendly and helpful the Wealthy Affiliate platform is. I write on a few other platforms and they are nowhere near as friendly as the Wealthy Affiliate platform! It's so good to help others and also to share in other member's joy when they have a success story, however small it may be.
Now for a couple of stories.
On this earth, life is very fragile. Recently, I lost a close friend unexpectedly, we used to talk most days and have a bit of banter and to encourage each other. The last time I spoke to him was on November 1st. When I couldn't get hold of him the following day, and knew that something was seriously wrong and didn't expect to see him again. Sadly, he had had a heart attack in his sleep and I believe, died peacefully.
He was a man of faith like myself, so I believe we will meet again. My point is that it's important to make the most of every moment, I don't want to sound gloomy, but we never know when our last breath will be.
On that day, I actually had a network meeting that I was supposed to go to; however, I decided to cancel it and spend more time with my friend. We tendered to speak more on the phone rather than in the flesh. I'm glad I did what I did!
Another thing that I'm thankful for is the Wealthy Affiliate platform. I first started researching Internet marketing back in 2004, as I could see the power and the potential of the Internet; absolutely massive time! However, I hadn't a clue where to start, I ended up buying into lots of scam products, which is an expensive business! It took me three years to put up my first moneymaking website up.
Although, I was making money when I first came to Wealthy Affiliate, I really like the idea of mixing with like-minded people and having up-to-date training. Wealthy Affiliate takes the guesswork out of Internet marketing.
I'm also very fortunate to have my Webmaster in the US, who is highly knowledgeable on the subject of Internet marketing. I have mentioned to him that he is probably similar to Partha, they would probably get on well!
My apologies, my comment is a bit long, Cassi! Have a very happy Thanksgiving time.
Roy
No apologies necessary at all, Roy.
I ❤️ the sharing.
Today, I spent my morning with a close friend I had not seen for years.
He lives on one of our small islands off the North-West of Trinidad.
A mutual friend of ours told me that had recently had heart surgery and the sense of loss consumed me.
He is one of my favourite people.
His surgery was successful and he is recovering well.
We talked and laughed for over 3 hours.
I did remember that I was hungry until I left in the early afternoon. 🤦♀️
Life is SO SO short.
And as Forest Gump says: "You never know what you're gonna get."
"Do more of YOU."
I say this to people regularly now.
You deserve it.
Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Cassi
Thank you, Cassi!
How wonderful that you're able to spend some time with a good friend, Cassi! I think we all get busy, and sometimes we can almost forget about people, not deliberately, but just how it works out!
It's always good to remember those people that you had or have great times with. Sometimes, a random phone call can be great and just a reminder to the other person that we do care!
It sounds like you had a great time with your friend, which is fantastic. I'm glad that he is making a good recovery; your laughter will help him recover even quicker! They say that laughter is the best medicine!
"Do more of you"! That's so true, Cassi, life goes by quickly!
Have a great weekend.
Roy
"Do more of you."
It is an excellent motto to live by, Roy.
What is all this for after all?
I hope your week is going well.
Cassi
I don't think we were created to have continual difficulties and hardships, Cassi! I think it's so important that we are doing something that we can enjoy and making a difference to those around us.
The week is going well so far, thank you.
Have a great day.
Roy
I agree with you, Roy BUT to be able to move on to a better place, work is required and it begins with the internal self.
Not many people are willing to face the truth, own it and make the changes that are necessary.
It's the weekend soon. 😜
Cassi
Without any doubt, Cassi! Unfortunately, I see far too many people complaining about their difficulties, but not taking any genuine action!
That's so true. Not many people are willing to face the true facts that action needs to be taken to change the situation!
Have a fantastic Thursday.
Roy
You must be able to raise your hand and say:
"My name is ________ and I am/have?etc ______________________________ "
Once you own the problem and define it, it becomes easier to find a solution.
Always a pleasure exchanging, Roy.
Thank you.
Cassi
That's so very true, Cassi! It's so important to own the problem and not to go into self-pity etc, which only makes things much worse.
It's good to have you back on Wealthy Affiliate. It was getting to the stage where I was thinking of dropping you a private message, just to check everything was well.
Have a great 2024.
Roy
I ❤️ that you check up on me, Roy.
Good to have friends like that. 🤗
Enjoy your weekend.
Cassi
It's funny, Cassi, I think I have only met one Wealthy Affiliate member in the flesh! However, there are quite a few people on this platform whom I communicate with regularly, mainly through responding to comments or writing blog posts, etc. It feels like I know people like your good self and quite a few others on the platform!
Of course, there are many members that I don't know, but I feel it's good to look out for others or something like that!
It's funny that I have always liked people, but I have tried to see the best in everyone, and yet, I have actually spent quite a bit of time on my own. I think it's good to look out for our fellow human beings! Incidentally, I don't mind spending time on my own.
Have a fantastic day and look after yourself.
Roy
I hear you about the balancing with people, Roy.
It is like that for me as well.
When I was much younger and full of insecurities, I did not appreciate others at all.
Much of my time back then was spent alone.
Thankfully, it is different now and I look forward to enjoying times with others.
My own company is great too. 😉🙂
Cassi
Good morning Cassi,
I guess the fact is that we never stop learning, whether it's educating ourselves or just socialising!
We are all created differently, Cassi; I do think it's good that we don't try and go with the crowd but just be our very individual selves!
I believe you went to boarding school, Cassi, that's quite a big thing to do. Although, I do think youngsters grow up quicker when they attend boarding school. But I guess for some people it can be quite tough, I don't think it would be my sort of thing!
It's amazing how we change as we go through life, it's good to be able to enjoy other people's company and individual character.
Have a fantastic day.
Roy
My Boarding School days were fun although I know some of my schoolmates would say otherwise.
I took it for what it was and made the most of it.
Being in the Suffolk countryside helped me a lot.
I loved it.
Cassi
It's good that you can look back and say that your boarding school days were fun, Cassi! I must admit that I couldn't say that about school, although I think if you go to a good school, especially a Boarding School, it's probably a different way of life!
I'm glad you like Suffolk, Cassi! My father always loved Sunny Suffolk and my brother and myself are the same! I'm not sure about my sister! We are fortunate to live on the border of Suffolk, there are some beautiful villages on the Essex/Suffolk border!
Here is a picture of the village that I live next to.
Have a great day.
Roy
Oh how I miss ye ole England, especially Suffolk.
Finchingfield looks lovely.
Peaceful.
I spent many afternoons on the grounds of Framlingham Castle and strolling through the village.
Lovely!
Cassi
It's nice that you have fond memories of England and Sunny Suffolk, Cassi! I really think there are some beautiful places around us.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trips to Greece, but I don't think you can compare England to Greece; they are two totally different places. I'm not quite sure what it would be like to be in Greece full-time as I do like the East Anglian countryside.
Framlingham is a lovely place, Cassi. My brother and his wife and quite a few other people will often go to a pub in Framlingham, I think it overlooks the castle, but I can't remember what it's called. They speak very highly of the place and so do many others. It's nice to have those fond memories of places, Cassi.
Have a fantastic week
Yes, I know the pub in Fram well, Roy.
It is very close to the Castle.
There have been some changes since I went to school there but all in all, the town has kept its charm.
Hoping to visit again soon.
Cassi
It's a small world, Cassi!
Apparently, it's a really nice place to eat with really pleasant and helpful staff!
That's nice when a place keeps its charm, Cassi! Sadly, so many places that were nice have been spoiled by too much building and urbanisation etc. Maybe that's me, but as a countryman, I like quiet spots etc and things that are unspoiled!
That would be great if you could go back, Cassi; I'm sure that would be great fun.
Have a great day.
Roy
Here is a throwback from 2014, Roy, when we were last in Framlingham.
My daughter barely remembers because she was only 4 years old.
Time to return. 🙂
Cassi
How amazing, Cassi! 2014 doesn't sound very long ago, but it's 10 years ago now!
That sounds like a brilliant idea, Cassi I really appreciate the beautiful villages and small market towns that we have in the UK. There is something so peaceful about them.
I hope you can return very soon.
Have a fantastic day.
Roy
We will be returning soon, Roy and I will let you know when we do.
Sharing a coffee will be great. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend.
Cassi
That would be a nice thing to do, Cassi, I look forward to that!
As I've mentioned before, it feels like I know lots of people here and yet I have never met them. The only member I have met is Catherine, which was several years back.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Roy
Although we have not yet met, it seems as though we have known each other for a long time, which is nice, Roy.
I have plans to get over to Central America to visit Catherine at some point.
I will keep working on these meet-ups.
Cassi
It's amazing how we can get to know people through replying to blog post etc, Cassi! I guess in the way it's a bit like the old-fashioned letter writing people used to do, but obviously that wasn't electronic!
That would be a nice thing to do, Cassi! I met Catherine at an Internet marketing event in London going back several years. There were some interesting people there.
I believe there is a website called meet up or something similar, it's probably quite a good site to meet like-minded people or to arrange events, I believe.
Have a great day.
Roy
That website sounds engaging.
I will check it out, Roy.
Catherine is a true gem.
As you are. 🙂
Cassi
After I sent the above comment, Cassi, I checked out the meet-up website, as I know of people who have successfully used it. I admit I didn't create an account, but I thought I would just try searching for a local group.
The nearest group it found was in Australia!!😁 Either I was doing something wrong or I needed to create an account for the platform to work effectively!
Have a fantastic Thursday.
Roy
That is funny, Roy.
But, a trip to Australia may not be too bad.
Cassi
It's funny what technology can do at times!
That's true, especially at this time of year. One of my cousins has just returned from Australia and New Zealand; he spent six weeks out there! I'm sure that's going to make such a difference to his winter!
He has come back to lighter evenings and always pushing through and buds waiting to burst!
Wishing you a fantastic Friday.
Roy
Those are fantastic countries to explore.
I will return soon. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend, Roy.
Cassi
I also really like the idea of definitely going to New Zealand, Cassi! I guess the biggest thing for me would be the long flight, but I guess it would be worth it, especially in the winter months!
Many people have told me what beautiful countryside New Zealand has.
That's great, Cassi, good for you!
Have a fantastic weekend.
Roy
Roy, I ❤️❤️ our English countryside, but New Zealand takes it to a whole other level.
I had many fun days on the sheep farm belonging to one of my best friends there.
After hugging all those fluffy sheepies, we would walk down to the coast with coffee and sandwiches and look out for Orcas and Sea Lions.
Lovely adventures. 🙂
Cassi
Good morning Cassi,
I'm so glad that you appreciate the English countryside, it certainly is wonderful! Many of the farming folk used to say to me that I ought to go to New Zealand to see the wonderful countryside.
I knew quite a few farmer's sons who had done exchanges and would spend a year in New Zealand and vice versa. I think it was quite a good system.
It sounds like you have really had some great times, Cassi, which is wonderful. How nice to have those fond memories of all those lovely adventures.
Have a fantastic Tuesday.
Roy