Thanksgiving’s More Than Just Giving Thanks

by Christie Perkins

Thanksgiving habit immediately kicked in. I woke up automatically thinking about what I was most grateful for: my husband, my kids, my extended family, the offering of stuffing but the right to refuse it, and grateful for another day. I’m always thankful for another day (and I always refuse stuffing).

Then it hit me what the true meaning of Thanksgiving was. The why we celebrate came with more force.

thanksgivings-more-than-just-giving-thanks3Thanksgiving isn’t about just shooting off a list of things we are thankful for. Though, yes, it’s a great practice. But, it’s so much more. And since I couldn’t shake it, I thought I would share why my heart appears to be swimming in jacuzzi’s water.

Ah. Feels so nice. (I hope your heart gets all bubbly warm too). The message is simple.

That first Thanksgiving was symbolic of two very different people who learned to get along. Two people who would not have become friends on their own but circumstance brought them together. It was about struggling and depending on one another. Needing one another. Especially the pilgrims needing the experience of the Native Americans. It was about learning from one another and breaking down walls of pride. It was seeing the value of someone different and realizing they, too, have something valuable to offer and share. Continue reading

What are Your Unlikely Gratitude Candidates?

by Christie perkins

Unlikely GratiIt’s a tradition to think about what we are thankful for this time of year. Often the things that we are thankful for are traced back to some reason that triggered our insight. We can rattle off the things that we are grateful for that have given us comfort in our lives. But what about those not so awesome moments. Here’s a few of my triggers for my gratitude. Check out these unlikely candidates: Continue reading

Keys to a Successful Turkey Day

 by Christie Perkins

5 Keys to a Successful ThanksgivingI love turkey day. I didn’t used to. Thanksgiving was a holiday that had a table full of delicious food and all I could think about was the stuffing. I hate stuffing. Someone would always try to get me to “just try it.”

I have tried it.

It’s exactly why I despise it. I don’t like marinated chicken broth bread. Ok, so I know that 99.967% of the population likes stuffing so this post is not coming on strong for anyone. In fact I probably dropped a few followers with the line “I hate stuffing.”

Forgive me. (Come on back now… if you eat it I’ll just avoid smelling your breath.) Continue reading