All Psyched Up: Thanksgiving

By Linda Hancock on September 28, 2024.

It isn’t easy to think of new things to say in my column that has been published for almost three decades. In fact, it’s almost thirty times that I have written about Thanksgiving and what can you say that is new? Ancient scriptures state: “There’s nothing new under the sun”.

The lack of uniqueness and the repetitiveness of giving thanks can become so routine that we don’t expand our thinking or mention all the blessings that we have always had available to us.

Usually, people say that they are thankful for family, friends, health and material goods like food and clothing – or say nothing at all!

Many associate Thanksgiving with fall harvest. As a child I was always so touched to see the platform in the church covered with garden produce and flowers that represented the efforts of spring planting.

Here is a list of things that might help you to think about often neglected items that we can easily take for granted:

1. The right to vote – We live in a country without dictatorship and have access to the politicians who represent us and can express our opinions openly.

2. The changing seasons – These offer us opportunities to experience change and participate in a variety of activities. Watching budding trees in spring, warm breezes in summer, harvest in fall and skiing in winter are good examples.

3. Transportation choices – Drive a car, catch a bus, ride in an Uber, rent a golf cart, saddle a horse, take a train or boat trip, fly in an airplane (or helicopter), enjoy an air balloon. So many choices.

4. Communicating with others – Attend a conference, phone a friend, write a letter, join an online chat group, make a home visit, or just talk with staff at a mall, store, or medical clinic.

5. Interesting events – watch a parade, visit a museum, attend a concert, view a video, accept an invitation, congratulate a graduate, volunteer for charity, host a dinner in your home.

6. Progress – Most people state that they don’t like change but if there wasn’t any change we would all be chasing our dinner with a bow and arrow. Make a list of the progress from which you have benefitted in your lifetime.

7. Colours – Think of how drab the world would be if we didn’t have colour. View it in plants, clothing, building design, grocery displays of fruit and vegetables, paintings, eyes and hair, sticky notes, and night skies.

8. Beliefs – We can believe what we want about whatever matters to us usually without criticism or persecution. (Sometimes it is better though to keep things private and close to your heart rather than start a debate).

9. Deliveries – I haven’t been in a grocery store for over five years as my groceries are brought right to my kitchen for a small fee. Shopping is also extremely convenient and available 24 hours a day. Hit submit and within a few hours, the order arrives at my home! Amazing!

10. Love – This is one commodity that doesn’t seem to have a limit. You can give and receive it from strangers or those who are familiar. The secret is to learn to uncork the miraculous pitcher of love by starting a conversation and massaging it with interest in the other person. Be thankful for those who are open to the powerful emotion of love!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

17
-16