Raven's Place’s Post

Not-so-Cold Plunge Musings: #27 “‘Thanksgiving?’ If you only knew…” What does Thanksgiving have to do with you? It all depends upon your perspective. This week, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving in the US – 403 years after a remnant of pilgrims who survived sickness, starvation, and their first brutal winter in North America celebrated with their friends, the Native Wampanoag, in the fall of 1621. Whether they called it “Thanksgiving” or not, they certainly had much to be thankful for: Not for their brutal trials and tribulations but for surviving them. The trials and tribulations I’ve endured are nothing compared to what these survivors had to overcome. Still, this is what I’ve learned… I don’t have to be thankful FOR the difficulties or wait until they pass to be grateful. Instead, I can find gratitude and thankfulness in the midst of them. It’s been so transformative in my life that I’ll repeat it… We don’t have to be thankful FOR our difficulties or wait until they pass to be grateful. Instead, we can find gratitude & thankfulness in the midst of them. While we might not choose our circumstances, we always get to decide how we’ll respond to them. It’s a matter of perspective—and THAT is a daily choice within our control. Agree? Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving EVERY DAY. #gratitude #thanksgiving #anythingbuttypical #coldplunge #mindset BGW CPA, PLLC

As we approach another Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude—not just as a seasonal gesture, but as a foundational principle for life and business. This past Sunday, at our church's Friendsgiving service, our pastor shared two profound thoughts that truly resonated: 1. "Be louder when you get something than when you need something." How often do we cry out to God—or to anyone—when we’re in need, only to whisper our thanks once the storm has passed? Gratitude should be the loudest voice in our lives. 2. "Some people are as religious as they are in need." It’s a stark reminder that God is just as good when we are thriving as He is when we are struggling. Yet, how often do we forget to acknowledge Him during the good times? This dynamic doesn’t just apply to our personal lives—it shows up in business too. When crises hit, we’re quick to pray for guidance, solutions, or provision. But when things go well—a successful project, a loyal client, a supportive team—do we pause to express true gratitude? I encourage all of us to reflect on the blessings we’ve already received, both personally and professionally. Let’s make gratitude a daily habit, not just a seasonal sentiment. Take time to thank your family for their support, your colleagues for their dedication, and your clients for their trust. Most importantly, thank God not just for what you’re asking for, but for what you already have. Gratitude changes perspectives. It shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, from anxiety to peace, and from striving to thriving. So, this Thanksgiving, and every day after, let’s be people who are thankful louder than we ask—who appreciate not only in times of need, but in times of plenty. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May your gratitude be a source of inspiration to everyone around you!

🍁 Gratitude and Grief Can Coexist This Thanksgiving 🍁 As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s natural to feel the weight of mixed emotions. For many, this season brings moments of gratitude—warm memories, the kindness of others, or simply the chance to slow down. If you’re grieving, it may also bring waves of sadness, longing, or the ache of someone’s absence. And that’s okay. You don’t have to choose between gratitude and grief. ✨ Gratitude doesn’t mean forgetting your pain. ✨ Sadness doesn’t mean you can’t also feel thankful. ✨ You can hold both in your heart without diminishing either. This Thanksgiving, allow yourself to feel all that you need to feel. It’s not about ignoring one emotion for the sake of another—it’s about giving yourself permission to embrace the fullness of your experience. 🌟 Reflect on what brings you gratitude: a supportive friend, a favorite memory, or even the quiet strength that has carried you this far. 🌟 Honor your sadness with the same compassion, knowing that it speaks to the depth of your love and connection. What’s one thing you’re feeling grateful for today? Or one way you’ll honor your grief this season? Share below 💕 #GriefAndGratitude #ThanksgivingHealing #HonoringBoth #YouAreNotAlone #HealingJourney #GriefSupport #Grief #GriefJourney

With a request of you To see how short the endless days will run And when they are gone and when the dark descends Oh, we would give anything for one more hour of light And I suggest to you, this is the best part of your life Susan Werner As the temperature drops and the leaves end their summer life, we are at the front of our season of thanks.  Yes, we even have the Holiday – THANKSgiving.  It’s an advertised season of gratitude. The idea of gratitude is from the Latin – GRATIA – grace. The idea of thanks and gratitude is a way of seeing things, a positive psychological intervention into the elements that impact your life.  It’s a state of thinking AND feeling.  It’s about embracing all the steps and stumbles that got you where you are.  It is an intentional way of seeing things. It’s not easy.  We tend to dwell on the hardships that cause headwinds in our life.  We are more aware of the bad stuff than the good stuff.  The good stuff creates tailwinds and your life is FULL of them, even if they occasionally get masked by all the crap that comes with our humanity. Many of us are used to the simple ritual of saying grace before a meal.  A modest few words of unassuming thanks. As we dedicate a single day to remind us of all that is good in our lives, I want to say THANKS to all of you that give the non-refundable gift of time to read my stuff. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

📌What are you thankful for today? 🌺🇺🇸As we celebrate Thanksgiving today in America 🇺🇸, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of giving thanks; not just for one day, but as a daily practice. 📌Gratitude is more than saying "thank you"; it’s about recognizing the blessings, big and small, that shape our lives. Whether it's the support of loved ones, opportunities to grow, or even the challenges that strengthen us, gratitude transforms how we see the world. 🌺Science backs this up! Studies show that practicing gratitude improves mental health, strengthens relationships, and increases overall happiness. It’s a simple yet profound tool for resilience and joy. 💃🏻💃🏻So, today, let’s pause and reflect: 🔥What are you most thankful for? 🔥Who are the people that have impacted your journey this year? 🔥What lessons have made you stronger? I am personally grateful for the incredible connections I’ve made on this platform and beyond; the mentors, friends, and vibefamily who inspire me daily. You know yourselves 😁😁📌Thank you for being part of my journey. 🙏 As we gather with family and friends, let’s carry the spirit of Thanksgiving forward, remembering that gratitude has the power to open doors, heal hearts, and create abundance in our lives. #Linkedin Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving! 🦃✨ What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to celebrate with you! #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Thankfulness #PositiveMindset

A post Thanksgiving musing from my Take it or Leave it Free Advice Drive Through Clinic: Just a few days ago so many of us were fortunate enough to gather together with friends and families to share a meal and give thanks for what we have been blessed with. Counting your blessings and taking the time to see the positive in your life, even though life isn’t perfect, will help you feel happier and more joyful. Living with gratitude is about noticing the little things in life, taking the time to feel grateful for them, and training your mind to see your blessings instead of your problems. Why are we so focused on this attitude of gratitude on the Thanksgiving Holiday, but often forgetful or not mindful of being grateful every day of the year? Also, I always have believed that the second half of the word Thanks-“giving” is often overlooked. Gratitude is unfortunately a temporary emotion. Maybe that’s one reason why it is front and center on Thanksgiving but more easily extinguished shortly afterwards. Giving however is a more lasting value. When we remind ourselves of all that we give (small and big), or have given to others, we mindfully stage for ourselves that we are the kind of person who cares about others, and we became invested in giving more. To sum it all up- here’s my free advice: Be grateful for the little things, big things and everything in between…and give without remembering and receive without forgetting. Take my advice above and I promise you that you will be happier, and more content and fulfilled. #makeeverydayoneofthanksandgiving Be well, joe

343/366 As the year comes to a close, many of us have already begun reflecting on our gratitude lists. Some have traditionally prepared and shared in a thanksgiving table, and I'd like to highlight an important aspect that's often overlooked. Most people who gather around the same thanksgiving table may be harboring unhappiness or resentment towards one another. We often pretend to be okay, but in reality, we're carrying around hurt and anger. This pretense can be damaging, preventing us from addressing and resolving our issues. Unforgiveness can hinder our praise and gratitude. In November, I took time to reflect on the past 10 months, and I was broke down in tears. I encourage you to do the same – make a list of the things you're grateful for, either month by month or in general. What difference did this year bring? If you're struggling to find gratitude due to a tough year, take a closer look at your experiences. Thank God for bringing you through challenging times. Remember that some people didn't survive the same challenges, so thank God for that. Next, make a list of people who hurt you and choose to forgive them. Forgiveness doesn't mean cutting them off, but rather releasing the negative emotions associated with the hurt. Lastly, make a list of those you may have offended, intentionally or unintentionally. Be a person of integrity and take the initiative to make peace with them. You cannot truly end 2024 on a happy note if you don't give gratitude for how the year has gone and if you continue to harbor hurt in your heart. I hope you take this counsel to heart, as we have barely 23 days left in the year. Let's end the year on a high note. I wish you well, may the Lord give you more reasons in the coming days to add to your 2024 thanksgiving list for good. AMEN!!! #iAmQueenlaurry #LaurettaIfyOlika #DailyLifeLessons #ProudlyRevCraigsProduct #TheCityIsTaken #LightAndAdvancement #BeninToTheWorld #TheNationsComeCalling #iAmAnInternetSensation #GratitudeAttitude #ForgivenessIsKey #LetGoAndMoveOn #EndTheYearOnAHignote #ThanksgivingVibes #PositiveVibesOnly #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth #FaithOverFear #HopeAndHealing

🍁 ✨This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate gratitude and self-compassion.✨🍁 The holidays can bring joy, but they can also feel overwhelming. Remember, it’s okay to slow down and be gentle with yourself. 💛 Practice gratitude: Reflect on one thing—big or small—that you’re thankful for today. 💛 Be gentle with yourself: It’s okay to rest and set boundaries when you need them. 💛 Lean on community: Remember you are not alone. Your well-being matters today and every day. 💙 #NAMI #Gratitude #Thanksgiving #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #BeKindToYourself #YouMatter #CommunitySupport

The calendar shows that we are entering the Thanksgiving holiday. Rather than offer the traditional sentiments connected to the holiday, Thanksgiving, this message is offered in the Spirit of Thanksgiving. It's been a particularly challenging year for me. We lost a family member. And, a number of people that I'm close to also lost people important to them. Sometimes, the emotions of grief seem disconnected from experiences of gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation. In this video, I share how I experience the qualities and attitudes of being grateful, thankful, and appreciative, along with brief stories that provide examples of how these experiences can show in moments we might miss without practices that help us connect to and look for these wonderful micro-moments. A wish for you in the Spirit of Thanksgiving: May you know the great joy of being loved and being loving. 💓

THINK POSITIVE. Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for those navigating grief. It’s a season that brings reflection, togetherness, and sometimes, emotional weight. But here’s a powerful reminder: positive thinking can transform how we approach life’s toughest moments. As Kendra Cherry shares, "People who maintain a more positive outlook on life cope better with stress, have better immunity, and have a lower risk of premature death. Positive thinking also helps promote greater feelings of happiness and overall satisfaction with life." This Thanksgiving, focus on positivity—not as a way to ignore pain, but as a way to find strength, gratitude, and joy in the little things. ✨ Wishing you positivity this Thanksgiving! Want to learn more about the benefits of positive thinking? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g9ShfeA6.