This concept of thankful Thursday is more complex than it may initially appear. It can easily be misused to brag about how great our lives are, and may contribute to the misperception that our lives are perfect, so common in social media. Contributing to that misperception isn’t only in conflict with truth, it’s also alienating and isolating, for both ourselves and our readers.
I love promoting an attitude of gratitude! But I feel we have a duty to be honest in doing so.
I love my life. It IS freaking awesome, and I am so thankful for it and everything and everyone in it! But by no means is it perfect. Someone else in my shoes might be miserable. Our lives and what makes us happy are as unique as we are. And clearly, having gone through my own struggles with death and loss, I was not thankful for those things when I was in the depths of them. Nor do I expect you to be.
No single event in my life defines me. I am the sum of my experiences. I still mourn my dad, my babies, and others, but I also appreciate the fact that death is an inevitable part of life, and I would not be the person I am today without my losses. I also would not be the same without my victories. Those brilliant times in life when the universe seemed to conspire to drive me ever onward and upward.
I am so grateful for it all together. I love it all. And you know what? It’s okay if you don’t feel that way right now. I remember how that feels, and I’m sure it will come my way again before this journey is over.
Until then, I’m going to revel in this grateful, joyous feeling. Want to join me?
– Coach Jamie –