We all know that moment. That moment when the yearlong anticipation is finally over. That moment when nothing else stands between you and that gorgeous plate of creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, and that buttery layered biscuit. For the Thanksgiving feast is finally upon you, ready at your fingertips to devour. But I urge you to loosen your grip on your fork and knife for just a few more minutes. There is something you simply must attend to first.
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While it may sound corny, for it has been depicted as so in countless movies and Hallmark cards, the tradition of telling those around you what you’re thankful for before your meal is anything but antiquated and cliché.
Everyone knows how hectic our daily lives can be; from schoolwork to maintaining jobs, to staying healthy and still having the time to have fun and relax. And at least for many of us, throughout this crazy whirlwind of college excitement and angst, it’s not often that we take the needed time to reflect on our actions and feelings, and truly take a step back to examine ourselves.
So consider this that moment. That moment when before you dig into that smorgasbord of festive flavors, you take the time from your busy schedule to really assess what you’re thankful for in your life. Even if things are going awry at this point in time, there is always a silver lining within. And what better time to reflect on that silver lining than when you are in the company of your loved ones?
This reflection on what you’re thankful for isn’t just for you however. Sharing this sentiment is almost just as important as the sentiment itself. For there is no better feeling than letting those whom you care for, and those who care about you, into this corner of your mind, as you genuinely speak about what makes you grateful to be alive. If taken seriously, it can be one of the most powerful and memorable experiences of your life.
There is no shame in this so called “corny” tradition. How could we call an honest profession of gratitude corny? It can be easy to brush off everything that Thanksgiving stands for when confronted with that mouth-watering meal. I mean, I know I suffer from my own tunnel vision upon spotting that homemade pecan pie. But I promise you that if you stop and reflect, even if only for a few minutes, that long-awaited slice of pie will stand for something much more than it did before. It will now be a symbol: a symbol for that moment when you professed your gratitude and it was heard by your loved ones. Now what could be more rewarding than that?
Even if this ritual has never been a part of your family’s Thanksgiving routine before, there is no reason why it cannot start this year. It may be hard to initiate the conversation, especially when all most people want to do is attack their plates. But this shouldn’t stop you. Take the initiative. Step up. Even if the people around you aren’t comfortable with sharing, you will have nonetheless sparked something new. And there is absolutely no shame in that.
After you have done this, whether that be in your own 10-second sentence, or your entire table’s 2-hour discussion, it is now that moment once again. Where the delicious food lies in front of you, waiting eagerly to be devoured by a deserving and grateful human being.
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Cover photo from projectnursery.com