Thanksgiving: A Time To Reflect

The holiday season in my part of the world starts with Thanksgiving in November. It is a time to gather. A time to reflect. And perhaps most importantly, a time to celebrate the abundant blessings in our lives.

Thanksgiving is generally celebrated in Canada (my home country) and the United States.  It is the biggest secular holiday all year.  We gather to feast with friends and look back at the past year.

Personally, I will be giving thanks for the amazing gifts in my life:  my family, my music, my community and my life experiences!

Even if you don’t have a fancy feast, Thanksgiving can be a very profound day.  So often, we rush through the weeks and months.  Stopping to consider how lucky we are seems.. shall I say.. perhaps a bit indulgent? Yet, it is so necessary in our pursuit of happiness and peace.

Oprah Winfrey has talked about her “gratitude journal.”  It is a simple way to tap into the power of being grateful for even the little things in life – a roof over our heads, or a warm meal, which can literally change your life.  As she says:

“Decide today that you are going to reduce negativity in your life by getting rid of the ‘don’ts,’ ‘nots’ and ‘no’s’—the negative people, the negative thoughts,” he says. “Get in the habit of appreciating things.”

Sometimes, it can help to listen to what others say they are thankful for this time of year.  Perhaps you are taking a few things for granted?  Just maybe you didn’t realize how lucky you are?

I love this video about the spirit of Thanksgiving:

Spending time in nature, or listening to music can help start the endorphins flowing.  You may be more receptive to feelings of thankfulness after you get outside!

Whenever I am “stuck” in creating a new song, or dealing with an issue that has arisen in my life, I’ll get out and exercise.  I believe that we are children of nature.  We are part of nature.  When we reconnect through the elements, we can discover who we truly are, and experience emotions on a much deeper level.

For me, praying or meditating is another way to tap into feelings of gratitude.   Try closing your eyes for 30 seconds and focus only on your breathing.  Feel the strength of your being, right there in the moment.  How lucky you are to be alive!

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift.  That’s why its called the present.” – Kung Fu Panda (2008 Dreamworks)

Business is often just that: busy-ness.  Thank goodness we have the holidays to remind us – even force us – to slow down.  These are days when our only job should be to enjoy our friends and family.  The banks are closed, mail is not delivered.  Its the perfect time to take time off from work outside the home.  Instead of thinking about your “to do list,” consider making an “I’m so lucky list.”

Listen to your soul.  Discover hidden dreams.  Brush away the clutter of your everyday life.

In reflecting this Thanksgiving season, I realize how grand life is!  I simply cannot begin to list all the blessings in my life.

Creating music is the best job in the world for me!  I work with some amazing people and simply must give them thanks for their  contributions to my albums (special thanks to Ron Montanaro, Michel Robidoux, Martin Lord Ferguson and Michel Dupire).

I have a wonderful, supportive family and many friends in my home near Québec. Also, I have made friends all over the world on social medias like Myspace, Twitter, LastFm, Facebook, Youtube and on other social medias.

Let me say that I am so grateful to everyone, for you inspired me to pursue my quest for a better world!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May the next hours bring you unexpected pleasures! – Marcomé