Giving Thanks

I always feel inadequate during Thanksgiving.  Others are always so eloquent in expressing their appreciation for what they are thankful for.  I always feel like I sound insincere - and I think this is because I'm just a sappy person in general.  So when you say things over and over, they are taken for granted. For example...those who know me well, are aware that I am forever in debt to my family.  But that statement right there seems rather dramatic, which makes it seem insincere.  But it's not!!  So I'm going to try the opposite this year.  This is my unplugged version of giving thanks:

I am thankful for everyone in my life who has made me who I am, including family, friends, enemies and complete strangers.  Every person I have run into has had an impact on me and changed the way I've thought about myself, others, certain situations and the world in general.  Some have temporarily made me a more bitter, judgmental person, while others have  made me look inward to discover the ugliness of those qualities and given me the strength to change them.  Some have patiently held my hand as I went from one self analysis to another and supported each diagnosis I gave myself.  Others told me to suck it up, and stop dwelling on every detail and just live a little.  Some reminded me I am not the first, nor will I be the last person to have these thoughts or feelings.  Recognize them and figure out how to move on. Complete strangers give me so much hope and inspiration not only for myself, but for humankind.  This happens almost daily.  One look at a person less fortunate than me, who is able to smile and laugh, and have hope, can fill my heart with such joy and warmth.  It can inspire me to try give that same joy and warmth to someone else.  Imagine if everyone would pay that feeling forward.  On the flip side, a rude, judgmental, self-righteous person can first make me feel so much rage...which quickly turns to pity for this person, who must be so miserable.  All of these people - known and unknown - shape the work in progress that I continue to be.  To all of you, thank you.  I wish you all the peace and happiness that I am beginning to find.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.  I love you.