“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite – only a sense of existence. Well, anything for variety. I am ready to try this for the next ten thousand years, and exhaust it. How sweet to think of! My extremities well charred, and my intellectual part too, so that there is no danger of worm or rot for a long while. My breath is sweet to me. O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.” ? Henry David Thoreau

Thanksgiving approaches, spreading the magic of kindness and sweetness which expands our heart renewing our relationships.

There was a phase in my life when I used to wake up with a heavy heart every day. I was cross with the entire world for not doing what they ought to, judging every action and word of everyone around me until one day, I’d had enough. I told myself to hold on. The wall I had built around me had isolated me from my folks as no one wanted to get into a dialogue with me. Often all discussions ended in a ruthless debate. It wasn’t until I religiously practiced being in the state of gratefulness by counting my blessings every morning, that my life changed from rotting away alone to celebrating everyday with friends. Life is smiling a lot at me and I am truly thankful. Being insolent closes the doors, believing in angels lets in the light.

Life is not unfair for the one who knows how to be thankful for the fair chances it offers. You just need to tune into the right frequency and life will play your favorite song. Dive into the spirit of Thanksgiving by waking up to a list of blessings!

“Shiny, happy people make the world worth living. There is no time to cry.” said Fred, a regarded veteran, friend, philosopher and guide. You can get caught up in the frenzy attached to Friday the 13th or celebrate it along with the virtue of compassion on the World Kindness Day both falling on the same day.

Change the colors of your glasses and the world will appear the way it is.

I was given a thanksgiving challenge last year, I had a bitter relationship with my cousin and Fred challenged me to invite him for the Thanksgiving Dinner and literally forgive and forget. It was difficult as I was once bullied by him and it had put me in the victim state for a chunk of my childhood time, but Fred had a point, he said, “You are giving him a space in your mind if you aren’t forgiving him, in a way he has taught you to be assertive and stand up for yourself, every tormentor is a teacher.” I couldn’t agree much, it was this incident in my life that led to transformation and I realized I have a voice.

Last year, thanksgiving dinner was amazing as not only did I forgive and started over with my cousin but I recognized how every person has a positive role in shaping your life, they play it until you have learned what you are meant to and move on. My so-called perpetrator suddenly was not so fearsome for me. We laughed and enjoyed the Thanksgiving Turkey. We had both moved on and in that time spent together, gratitude flowed effortlessly between us.

So, whom are you planning to renew your bond with on this Thanksgiving?

Be forgiving and grateful to be free.