What to write about. Thanksgiving. A thoughtful Thanksgiving. I could write a poem. What’s a poem to be about? Whats the beginning, middle, the end – the purpose? Who is to read this little snippet of, what? Of INSIGHT and inspiration, a little piece of compassion to lighten your heart. This piece will make you feel enlightened and grateful for the family or friends you spent time with and the food you smelled and consumed. The rectangle of humans who sat there with each other, conversation forced or easy, laughter effortless or fake. Smiles exchanged, eye contact engaged. Maybe your opinion of another person shifted, maybe you took a “no thank you bite” of the strange new dish and enjoyed it. Thanksgiving. I’m glad we have Thanksgiving. We’re put on high alert of our own mindsets, forced to reconsider our next comment. When we’re thinking of thankfulness all week, we subconsciously step backward and take a broader look at our lives. How often do I get to sit at the table with all my family; it’s been months since we’ve all been together in the same room. Do you hear all the new ideas sister Jenny has had since we last spoke? Hear this new revelation I’ve had about the conversation we had at Johnny’s graduation. See how much we’re growing together? These periodic check-ins with the others’ lives and revelations. Look at how much we’re growing. We didn’t even notice it, did we? Let’s go take a walk and be together. Let’s listen to each other’s footsteps and hear each other’s breathing patterns. Man, I forgot how nice it is to stand next to you, even if just out of familiarity. I love this family that causes me so much heartache and stress. I love the continuity in our interactions. I love the way you make me consider the flaws in my plans. Thank you for being there for me to irritate just as well. You are so important to me, and I easily forget that. Let’s call each other more.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I hope you’ve had the chance to think of something new this holiday. I hope you’ve allowed yourself to sit back and just appreciate. The New Year is coming. Start your revelatory habit now. Do something bold, like force yourself to put your phone down when you’re in the same room with someone.
Yours Truly,
Karli Conrad-Davis
