Thanksgiving Wishes and a Mental Massage

Aaaah, Thanksgiving is drawing near! There is a whole lot stuff to worry about-in our daily lives, on a national level and the world front. It’s easy to get bogged down in the business of navigating modern life. We are inundated with bad news. Remember “the news” is the exception and these often tragic and scary stories are NOT the norm. Tune out the seemingly endless negativity and see the good! Crank up the music and turn off the TV. If you must go on a diet, quit ingesting doom and gloom.

Feeling better yet? Grab a pencil and paper or open your ‘notes’ app. Time to get in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Even though you may be dealing with work, family, financial, school, health crises, grief- keep in mind- you are here and you are handling it! Start counting your blessings. There will always be people better or worse off than you. It’s all relative. Cut yourself some slack and don’t compare yourself to others. You are important, special and needed to someone. I think you’re great, actually. Own it.

Now, jot down those things that warm your heart and bring a smile from the inside out. I bet you are running out of paper by now! We all have so much to be grateful for… That darn stress keeps us from noticing it on a daily basis. Hang onto to your gratitude list, make it an ongoing thing and let it carry you to the New Year. You might as well get busy on the grocery list if you are the top chef while you’re list making…

Next, I will share with you some tips for the big feast day. Keep in mind that we are all somewhat dysfunctional and family has an amazing ability to bring out our bratty sides. No one else can push our buttons like our kin. It’s almost an irresistible urge for some to aggravate their nearest and dearest. We can show each other our less than stellar attributes and know we are loved (even if they don’t say it- they do) by virtue of our shared genetic makeup and upbringing. Our people helped shape us to the resilient beings we are today. They particularly love to reminisce about things you may prefer to forget. Our families keep us from getting too big for our britches. Leave your ego at the door and bring your sense of humor.

Don’t go buy a new outfit for this gathering. Dig out that poncho or sweater your great aunt knitted you. Find that still-tagged ensemble your grandmother gave you last year and wear it with pride. Fellas, put on the tie that someone who loves you thinks perfectly matches your eyes. Let the children wear the pilgrim hat and Indian headdress they made in art class. Notice the fancy, freshly polished, shiny silverware that does not ever go in the dishwasher. Be careful with the china and crystal stemware. Use those linen napkins before you handle the fine tableware. Compliment that lovely centerpiece. Trust me on this, a lot of work went into setting the dinner table.

The “hostess with the mostess”, must delegate duties. It’s your day too. There’s always that one person who comes empty-handed. You know who they are. Call or text or email them and tell them what to bring. It’s tradition, for goodness sake. Clean as you go. Don’t fight with the little people at the card table about eating their green bean casserole. Give them the funny Jello mold creation that no one at the big people table likes. It will keep them busy so you can enjoy your meal. Maybe Granny knew what she was doing when she invented that one. Today, they can play with their food. (within reason)

Speaking of side dishes, suck it up and take at least a teaspoon of everything on the buffet. Someone put a lot of love into that “famous dish” despite his or her lack of culinary skills. No one wants to bring home a platter at the end of the celebration that is as beautiful as it was when they garnished it. Make sure you have plain, mac n cheese and plenty of juice boxes for the card table people and relax. If they are loud and laughing, you’re awesome. Ignore the mashed potatoes being pushed between their teeth like Play-Doh. It’s what little cousins do. Embrace the uncouth and enjoy your time at the big people table. You made it! This is not the day to work on table manners.

This is also not the day to school your elderly relatives on political correctness. They really aren’t trying to be offensive. Make sure there are some meatless sides for your vegetarians. Better have some gluten-free delicacies too. We want everyone to feel welcome today. There is probably going to be a terrified newbie in-law or bf/gf who is nervous as heck. Give them a job and try to include them in conversations. Typically big family dinners are full of interruptions, over talking, inside jokes…if you’re a new crew member, don’t take it personally. This is part of your initiation into the clan. Football watchers- how about clearing your dishes and scrape your plates, before you head back to the game? At least take out the trash.

There is inevitably going to be a plethora of personalities as big as the dessert table. This assembly of people is your tribe. There’s probably the child expert who has no children, the ‘how to live your life’ advisor, the food critic, the over-imbibers, the rude and crude, the martyr, the comedian, the guilt-tripper, and the bossy one. We can’t forget the sensitive soul, the agitator, the political talker, the minister, the teaser, the pleaser, loud and proud ones, the intellectuals, the smart alecks, the perfectionists, and the grouch. We have wall flowers and television watchers, the messy ones and the clean-up crew… everyone plays a role. I didn’t even get into the youngins, at this glorious gathering in their various stages of development! Does any of this sound familiar?

Speaking of roles, roll with it. We are all multi-faceted and capable, likeable people. For some weird reason, when hanging out with fam, we tend to regress into those roles. They do not really define us or our ever-evolving selves! You, your elders and your sibs know this. It’s easy and comfortable to slip into younger versions of ourselves with the people who were there. Relish the, “Remember that time…” and stories grands love to tell. We are all “the Griswolds”. Let go of the perfect, Martha-esque Thanksgiving fantasy and embrace the madness! Enjoy the cornucopia of people as much you savor your favorite desserts. Life is short. One day you will either miss them or be the empty place setting. Get cooking and make beautiful memories!

Finally, I am confident that I can speak for everyone here, when I say “THANK YOU”! Without YOU we would not be. It doesn’t feel like we are just conducting business. Griffin Elite Sports and Wellness is more like a community center and gathering place. Truly, we are grateful that you choose to self-care and work out with us. We grow and get better each day, right along with you. We enjoy working with your kids as much as they love playing their sports. You’re doing great on your path of health and wellness. Have the pie. Big cheers to you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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