Thanksgiving 2020

I think we all know that keeping a positive attitude is crucial to good mental health. We've reached that time when being thankful is the theme, although during a year like we've had, a year like we've never had before, it can be a challenge.

So, what can I think of?

I'm grateful for people who demonstrate small acts of kindness when out--waiting patiently in the store until I find what I want before moving in, social distancing in lines, and all those who are dealing with this mess with good humor.

Speaking of kindness, I've noticed that the number of young people who are waiting to hold a door open for me has soared. I can't help but wonder whether this is a surge of good manners, or if I'm looking so decrepit that they think I won't be able to get into the store on my own. 

I'm thankful for all the digital technology. Did I really say that? Yes, I did. Even though much of it tends to make me cranky, it does keep me from being way too isolated. I've described Zoom meetings as better than nothing. I finally realized that compared to nothing, Zoom is, not to put too fine a point on it, better.

I'm thankful that I'm someone who enjoys reading. I never have enough time to read, so I don't have empty patches of time with nothing to do. Well, that's not exactly true. There are all those chunks of time when I don't let myself start to read, knowing that an hour could disappear, because I should be doing something else that I'm avoiding.

I'm happy that we had a spring and an autumn this year--I mean more than three days of each.

A big thanks goes to my daughter and her husband, who want to take over cooking the holiday dinner. I didn't mind the work, probably because that was the only thing that had to be done for this day--no presents or extensive decorating. But I've done it for more years than I have time to count just now, and it feels right to pass it on to the next generation. In case you're wondering, it will be a small gathering of very careful people: their family of three, plus Nana, Oma, and Opa.

Okay, I'm feeling pretty good right now. I hope it works for you too.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!