...without conditions.
Gratitude only for the "good things" in life confines the soul of thankfulness. The Buddha taught that gratitude was a reflection of a person's integrity and ultimately, civility... So gratitude is more than just words or actions that arise out of thankfulness for the "blessings" in one's life, but it is a mindset - an attitude.
When we are exclusively grateful for those things we revere as good and positive, we place conditions on gratitude; we box it in as something to attain vs. a way of living. On a topic for a different day, ask me why I am not a fan of Santa...
As we Americans get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, it's my wish to all of you that you are not only grateful for your blessings (still important!), but that you are able to be thankful for all of the trials and difficulties that have led you to your blessings, directly and indirectly.
At the risk of diminishing everything I said above, I am truly grateful for you and your support, especially over the past few months. That said, there have been just as many hard conversations and difficult situations to overcome as there have been gentle words and warm wishes - and I welcome all of it.
I wish all who celebrate a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
-Sarah
(Photo taken in Bath County, VA where my family and I most love to spend the holiday, and where we will be this year as well)
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