As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, we embark upon a lot of stresses we don’t normally encounter throughout the rest of the year. The grocery stores are always crowded during this time with lines (at least) four people deep, the aisles are packed with shopping carts being pushed by people who aren’t really even paying attention, but somehow they’ve managed to fill their carts half-full with Turkey Day treats. Traffic seems to be more abundant with impatient drivers honking or using age-old “sign language” to get their frustrations across to the driver in front of them who decided not to use a blinker that morning when turning left!  Takes deep breath—I get a little stressed just picturing it!

Any of this sound familiar?

Rest assured. You’re in good company! All of us experience these types of scenarios during this time of year.

Remembering one special piece is going to be key to your stress-free Thanksgiving this year. I use the words “remembering” because you already know what I’m talking about! I’m talking about the special piece—the piece where all the magic happens, the piece where it all comes together creating harmony. What piece you ask?

I’m talking about the “WHY”.

Why are we celebrating Thanksgiving anyway? Why do we put up with all of the hoop-la that comes with the holiday? Why do we, year in and year out, fight the grocery store woe’s and traffic turmoils?

We do it because we love the special people in our lives who have touched us in one way or another, and who have helped shape who we are today. We do it for the creation of new memories, for the coming togetherness (if that’s even a word) of families and friends, and we do it because if we are truly being thankful for what matters most in our lives, then we are being accepting of the bumps in the road (like that irrational driver) which get thrown at us at the most inopportune time. Accept it and move on to more important things like your friends and families.

That’s the why! Remember now?? I thought you might. (:

I’ve come up with a few things we can all be thankful (and grateful) for this Turkey Day.

Be thankful you can read this blog! Many people in this day and age still can’t read. Better yet, be thankful for your sense of sight. Not only can you read this blog, you can also see this beautiful picture, as well as feel the warmth created when you see the smiles on your loved ones faces.

Be thankful for your parents. Without them, there would be no wonderful you! Remember the great times you’ve had with them—even if those times were few and far between, remember the good ones—there’s GOT to be at least one in there somewhere! Share that memory with someone…I bet you’ll have a smile on your face when you’re done telling it.

Be thankful for the amazing people in your life who make it all worth while, and be thankful for the time you have to spend with them.  Oh—and one more thing…

Always remember the “Why”.

May you and yours have a happy, healthy, and memorable Turkey Day.