Sorry, This is Not Your Traditional Thanksgiving Post. Be Warned: Auntie Rant on the Horizon.

It’s Thanksgiving down in the United States (Canada celebrates in mid October) and though there’s been so much pain and suffering for so many over the last two years (heck, the last two weeks), there’s still a lot to be thankful for.

It’s important for families to celebrate and come together to give thanks. What was once a celebration of the harvest and the bounty of the earth, is now a time to be thankful for everything and everyone in our lives.

It can be difficult as lately we look around and it feels like the world has gone a bit wacko. Scary virus’, gratuitous violence, and grown adults with opposing ideas/beliefs acting like children in a preschool group (but actually the preschoolers would listen to the teacher so…???).

From my vantage point, it appears that history has been forgotten in many circumstances whether it be in health care (measles, polio, chicken pox) or politics (I’m right you’re wrong, and even if I agreed with you, I wouldn’t tell you). These are sad truths that belie the fact that there will be no winners, just all losers.

History will repeat. The more divided we become, the closer the move to violence. This is frightening from so many directions–up and down, east to west, north to south… around the world, and around the corner.

Nothing is what it should be.

While I don’t have solutions, I do know that self-respect and allowing dignity for others is paramount, yet has been missing for a very long time. Too many feel justified in calling their opinions as superior, while ignoring the voice of others. Is it okay to belittle others or get angry because your ideals are boxed up tight and tied with a pretty white ribbon, while others choose to listen, weigh, and perhaps discuss opposing views?

Hey just asking, is all.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude CAN and DO make a difference if done in a humble and non-judgmental way. People have forgotten how to empathize with others… most don’t want your sympathy they want you to understand where they’re coming from–that’s all

Step back from you personal beliefs and put yourself in someone else’s shoes… just for a moment. Take off the label that you wear and see the other side. Is that possible?

In North America, we’re soooooo fortunate to have the abundance that we cherish and call our own. That bounty is not spread equally — it never was, but perhaps this year by just acknowledging the fact and the inequality will make a difference.

Don’t tell me that people can work hard and get ahead… There are many who live in poverty while working very hard to support their families. Investments in education and lending a hand go a long way but don’t seem to reach the correct neighborhoods. Frustrations are palpable. I get it.

Around the world may be we find a way to give thanks for all we have while remembering the past and considering the future. I fear what could happen if we don’t.

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In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the breaking of bread in a peaceful, accepting and generous manner, I wish you all well.

I’m Thankful For…

ONE: Gun laws.

TWO: The fact that we have agencies who work 24/7/365 to assist victims of domestic violence. I’m not happy that they need to exist but their necessity is a sad fact.

Everyone should feel safe in their home but the holidays can be excessively stressful.

If you require help there are some numbers below. This is spurred on through the Petito family who lost their daughter Gabby to domestic violence.

We live in a society where there is help. Don’t ever forget that. So thankful for private hand signals and support.

When Gabby Petito went missing, we all feared the worst. The family is fighting to keep her memory alive and to address issues of domestic violence. I’m thankful that this news is now in their hands and hopefully some healing can begin. So sad. We need to educate our young people about domestic violence. Read this.

Here’s the most recent announcement of the situation via Twitter.

The attorney for the Laundrie family, Steven Bertolino, said on Tuesday that Brian Laundrie died by suicide. Laundrie’s remains were found in October in a Florida park.

He was the sole person of interest in the death of his fiancée Gabby Petito who died by homicide, according to a coroner. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. In case of emergency call the police immediately. In Canada and USA = 9-1-1

Individuals seeking assistance can contact these agencies:

UK & Ireland – The Samaritans: 116-123 USA – The Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Canada – Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566

Australia – Lifeline: 13-11-14

New Zealand – Lifeline: 08

*United States: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or  1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Source: Twitter

THREE: I am so thankful and grateful for free choice. We live in a society where we can express ourselves without repercussion… or that’s the way it used to be.

Now there are bullies who push their way into places that are not appropriate. (Recently a group cut into the local Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Kelowna, British Columbia. They highjacked (for lack of a better word), a solemn and some would say sacred, ceremony to push their own agenda.

That really pisses me off and interferes with legitimate protest.

We all have choice– that means I don’t need to agree with you and vice versa, nor do we need to discuss it further. End of story.

Being free and able does not give anyone the right to bully anyone. Ever.

Rant over.

Breathing returning to normal.

I’m grateful if you actually read this far. Sorry, I loathe politics but sometimes I need to put my two cents worth in. If you enjoyed this post, please like and comment and don’t forget to follow my blog and social media.