Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving!  Most holidays, including this one, have become too commercialized.  For instance, Thanksgiving has become a mere precursor or stepping-stone to the Christmas season.  However, I would like an attempt at returning the holiday to some semblance of its roots.  No, I won't talk about Pilgrims and Indians, but having a year-long attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude.  I have so much to become grateful for, both blessings and difficult times.  It is easy to have an "I am blessed" attitude during easy times, but what about the hard times which lends themselves to times of growth and maturity.  Surprisingly it is during those times I look back upon with nostalgia.  How am I a better man because of the refiner's fire?  (Not only to myself but in regard to those around me.)  Life isn't fair and doesn't owe me a damn thing.  I must continue to forge ahead making the most out of every situation.  The pain of growth is worthwhile and somewhat short, but the pain of giving up entirely is forever.  Wallowing in the muck and mire of self-pity, or a woe is me attitude, does nothing but neuter my potential for good in this life.  Working through these times and processing them positively is healthy and warranted, but we are not designed to stagnate forever in our own pig-pen.  Keep pressing forward.  What are you thankful for?  I am thankful, first and foremost, for family and friends.  These five days in the Victoria/Yoakum area have shown me exactly how grateful I am for the people who surround me.  I am very blessed.  Next I am thankful for health and wellness in my physical body and mental and emotional state of mind.  Keep Thanksgiving for what it was intended.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nightmare is Over

A little over a week ago, I finished working at Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco Shop for a second tour of duty.  Once again, I found this particular place of employment extremely toxic and dysfunctional.  With the exception of one other staff member, the crew at the shop were too chummy with one another in very unhealthy ways.  Similar to the first experience, I was micro-managed and isolated from feeling a part of the "family", as the manager liked to call the company.  I never felt included...only taken advantage of and then made to feel inferior and worthless.  The customer base wasn't too much better than the work environment.  In some ways, the customers were worse...a bunch of entitled, rich people who wanted their way while everyone else be damned.  Spoiled-rotten brats!  The manager summarily decided, without even consulting me, that I would be moved to an "on call" position.  Since I'm not naive, I realize this means I'll never wor...
Read more

Seeking Closure!

Last week I was able to get away from the land of exile in order to visit and spend time with family.  Even though part of our plans for a trip to East Texas fell apart, I very much enjoyed spending three wonderful days with my mother in Yoakum.  During this time, as she still had to work her shifts at the church, I was able to scratch off quite a few items from the bucket list.  Many of these items have been on there for several years awaiting much-needed closure.  On top of the list, but really in no particular order, was to visit the Alchoholics Anonymous group in Victoria where I tried to get sober in 2004.  Even though I didn't recognize anyone in attendance, I did enjoy the time spent in fellowship.  Then a visit was made to Memory Gardens Cemetery where three acquaintances are interred.  One in particular, my friend Amy, was buried there in 2021.  Regretting not being able to attend her funeral services, I made every effort to locate her gr...
Read more

New Beginnings!

Today I began working a secondary form employment with Cartan's.  It is a shoe store selling men's and women's footwear located on Magnolia in the Near Southside of Fort Worth.  Ever since I moved here I have tried to get hired on with this place of business.  I formerly worked for the owner at the Rockport Shops in Houston.  Figured I was a "shoe" in with the amount of experience yours truly offered.  Finally, I was hired on and began by working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I dove right in and tried my best.  Slowly but surely, all of my skills and abilities will come back.  The manager seemed pleased and thought I really didn't need much help.  I shadowed him and a few other employees while they waited on customers.  In addition, I helped to put away drags, which are leftover shoes from the sale.  The store hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.  Woohoo!  Think I have found my home....
Read more