Each year I plan my Thanksgiving Menu. I figure out how many guests and how much food I’ll need to prepare and purchase.

I am incredibly meticulous with details and presentation because I want my guests to feel welcomed, loved, satisfied and thankful!

As I thought about this process, I thought about what is on my Thanksgiving Menu…

for my life!!

In my reflection I realized, this year came with a lot of “new” for me. New losses new opportunities, new travels, new illness scares, new trials, new rejections, new relationships 

Yet I am thankful.

Each “New” for me changed me for the better.  It made me stronger. I learned something about myself that I didn’t know I was capable of doing, accepting or being! I learned how strong I can be and I learned how vulnerable I truly am.

It’s hard to be thankful when your circumstances are not ideal; you are alone, your family is broken, your health is challenged.

It is then when it’s most important to be thankful! It stretches every fiber in you to utter the words that say I am thankful for this challenging trial. That’s when you grow!

It’s easy to be thankful when all is well.  When all is aligned and moving towards a beautiful outcome.  When your family is united, and everyone is full of joy.  When you are surrounded by your friends, and you are enjoying the best health. It doesn’t take much effort to be thankful when everything is going your way!

Give thanks… 

Give thanks in the hardship. You will be stronger.

Give thanks through the tears.  Joy comes in the morning

Give thanks in your sorrow.  Laughter will soon fill your heart.

So as you prepare your menu, think about all the different items that you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

The mere fact that you can be aware of the spirit of Thanksgiving is enough to be thankful!

Sit still between now and Thanksgiving and write down ten things you are thankful for your heart will be full.  

Lesson:

Be thankful for every moment.  For that moment will never come again.

Author(s)

  • Annette Ortiz Mata

    Annette Ortiz Mata

    I am a proud Latina. I am Puerto Rican from The Bronx, NY (which makes me a United States Citizen - wink!) My experience being bi-coastal has brought a lot of range to my life and has expanded my vision on how Latinas are perceived on both coasts. With the desire to be informed, educated and entertained, I pursued a career in Communications. I am a graduate of USC Gould School of Law with a Masters in the Study of Law with a certification in Entertainment Law. I am passionate about the truth. I am a news junkie and love to learn something new — Blogger (writer) for Soul of a Woman.blog. I am also the author of "Unpredictable Outcomes - Unmasking my Faith" - www.unpredictableoutcomes.com My hobbies are reading and singing and dancing...I love to laugh out loud. Married to a fantastic man and mother of two incredible sons. Annette Ortiz Mata