I don't watch much television these days. I'm pretty sure I record most programs, but there are only a handful that I actually get around to watching. I'm digging Homeland this season, by the way. Of the television I do watch, I have noticed something odd. Thanksgiving seems to be nonexistent. What happened, did I miss the memo? If you've watched the commercials you'd think that most people will be shopping on Thanksgiving. Hold the phone, are people actually taking off of Thanksgiving to go shopping this year? Thanksgiving seems to have thrown in the towel to our new holiday we call Black Friday, which starts on a Thursday. I'm confused...
I love Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday. I feel like people should feel the same about it, although I know they don't have to. But at least feel something for it. Not as just another day to go shopping, but as something more. Remember the meaning of the day. It is time to give thanks for all the things in our lives that make us whole. These things are different for everyone, which makes the holiday even better. It is unique from one household to the next.
I love it for the awesome face-stuffing meal that I plan to consume, due to my vigilance all year acting as an avid nutrition freak and fitness trainer. I love it for the opportunity to spend time with the people I love the most. I love it for the football. I love it for the fall weather and feeling of warmth when I step inside my mother's house. It is the one and only day of the year I actually eat lasagna. That fact is sheer awesomeness.
So for all the tips and advice you get this year about staying fit on Turkey day like exercising to burn the bird or ways to make healthier cobblers, I am choosing to give you some different advice. Say thank you to someone or something. Actually walk up to it and say the two words. It may be to your mom or dad. It may be to your Ducati. Just be thankful for something other than the door busting deal you got on a toaster oven at Kohl's. Not even sure if they sell toasters but you get my point.
It will put you in a healthier state of mind to thank the things that make you complete. To thank is to be mindful of the power and positivity of something.
These are the things I am thankful for:
I am thankful for my wife and daughter. They are my life and love. They are what makes me keep going each and every morning.
I am thankful for my parents. They gave me life. They continue to give me life and love.
I am thankful for my brother. I only have one, and I look up to him everyday for his ethic and success.
I am thankful for my friends. The true friends I have will always have my back, as I have theirs.
I am thankful for fitness. It is my passion. It keeps me healthy and driven.
It is powerful to say thank you. It is humbling at the same time. Be more mindful this Thanksgiving. Because even thanking your Ducati shows that you are somewhat mindful of how you got to where you are today.