Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving 2024

Here’s an exercise that works for me, especially when life offers challenges like holiday crowds, Thanksgiving table quibbles, etc.

I LOVE YOU
Sometimes, I treat myself by telling everyone I pass, as I drive or walk, that I love them. “I love you, guy on bicycle.” “I love you, family playing in the park.” “I love you, homeless guy.” “I love you, small or large, noisy or quiet dog.” (I’m not saying this so they can hear me, but I am usually looking at them with a smile.) By the time, I have I-love-youed several, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. This is an especially good practice if I’m going to a situation that has proved difficult or where I fear that will happen.
Treat yourself. This practice is better than eating fudge sundaes—yummy, satisfying. I often have noted that, even when I’m in a car passing by quickly, some people/animals seem to sense someone has reached out to them. Especially children and animals (birds, dogs, squirrels, cats) turn to look directly at me—return a smile or look lighter and happier.
This exercise is from Ariele’s Gratitude book through Amazon.
Ariele Huff has written columns and articles, including her Writing Corner and Poetry Corner for Northwest Prime Time since 2000. Soon at 75, she still loves to write and to teach writing. Connect for a calendar of ZOOM and online writing groups at ariele@comcast.net.
SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for about the 50-plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type "sharing stories" in the search function above.