It doesn’t matter as much what you do or don’t do on this day; some are separated from family, others enmeshed, setting the table with monogrammed napkins, prepping a menu handed down from generations previous. Some work long shifts in the ER, other’s meet at soup halls or shelters to share. Thanksgiving looks different to all of us, but if one thing lasts it should be this: reflection on your thankfuls. Here are some of what we’re thankful for:
- Washing machines
- Family, whether related or non
- Fireplaces, for drying wet running shoes or reading beside
- A good sweater
- Coffee
- The barista who remembers your order
- Sundays that are long & slow
- Wine, all types
- Friends
- Health
- Nut butters
- Tampons
- Chocolate, all types
- Dogs that listen
- When your cat gets under the covers to cuddle, as the wind howls and degrees drop
- Elastic waistbands
- Cheese, all types
- Caller ID
- Vacations that don’t feel quick-lived
- Sound
- Fleece blankets
- A friend & teammate that sends you daily encouragement the 2 weeks prior to your marathon
- Trails covered in seasonal disarray
- The kind of sky that makes everyone stop
- A page-turner
- A good boss
- Community
- Podcasts
- Learning something new
- When someone loves you without hesitation
- When your football team wins
- When you get sick and then you get better and you feel lucky, invincible, thankful
- A raise, a sale, a promotion you earned
- Giving without need of return
- Stars
- Star Wars
- When someone gives you a compliment and you actually receive it
- Honesty without projection or defense
- Bachelorette parties
- That all who love & believe in marriage, can
- Not having osteitis pubis
- Rolfers
- Teammates
- Beer, all types
- A well-organized race
- Canadian running
- Celebrating all body-types, lifestyles, choices
- Things that slow you down like a walk, a photograph, a memory
- That guy that picks up garbage off the trail every morning before sunrise, leading people to believe that everything is a little bit _______.
- All those that suffered so that we may reflect and be thankful here
