Thankfulness Project

I have always been a little baffled by our American tradition of Thanksgiving.  I never really understood the food or the celebration of white Europeans bringing over disease and displacing hundreds of indigenous people from their homelands.  A part of me has always doubted that the first thanksgiving was really as harmonious as our textbooks lead us to believe. 

However, as I've gotten older and my taste buds have matured, I now look forward to the opportunity we have to spend a day with loved ones recognizing the wonderful things we have in our lives.  The past few years I have found myself wishing that I could carry some of that spirit of Thanksgiving with me throughout the whole year.  How much different would my life be if I spent more time focusing on the good things in my life rather than the bad?  

Last year I was impressed to see a trend start up on Facebook where people dedicated the month of November to thankful status updates.  I loved reading as people chose one thing a day to be thankful for, it was a welcome change from the typical "...is it Friday yet?" updates.  It certainly spurred on my own thoughts of thankfulness last year, and when thanksgiving came around I was truly prepared for a celebration.  Therefore, I've decided this idea might make for an interesting blogging project this month.  I am going to dedicate this month of blogging to things I am thankful for.  I am going to try to make them specific to the day, but others may end up being a little more general.  I have a lofty goal of attempting to write everyday, but I'll take it one day at a time and see how it goes.

And so begins day number one.

Last night I was on the receiving end of an awesome hug.  It was one of those all encompassing, the world is good and things are all right hugs.  I had gone over to my parents house for dinner.  It had been a goofy day at work and my day had disappeared.  Nick was at home, immersed in his studying and the Vikings had lost. I didn't feel like cooking and my parents graciously invited me in.  We had an awesome night catching up, talking about life and politics and the baby.  It was exactly what I needed.

At the end of the night, my dad wrapped me up in his arms and gave me a total bear hug.  I left feeling like a million bucks because the whole night had felt like a monstrous hug.

I believe that I have the absolute best parents in the world.  I couldn't be more thankful for the wisdom they have imparted on me over the years and continue to provide.  I am constantly reminded of the sacrifices they have made over the years to ensure that my brothers and I have the best experiences possible out of life.  They are a tremendous support and incredibly encouraging of whatever endeavors I embark upon.  The older I get the more I realize that I have a lot to live up to as I head out on my own parenting adventures, but I am extremely thankful to have them available for guidance.  Not everyone is as blessed as I am and I recognize that.  Therefore, as I start out on my month long blogging adventure of thankfulness, I feel it is fitting to pay tribute to the two people that started it all for me...thank you Mom and Dad.  You are the best!