There is something about Thanksgiving morning that I really love. The calmness in the house before everyone arrives. The stillness inside of my body as I prepare for the day and all of the events that the day will entail. The yummy smells coming from the oven and the stovetop, washing over me as I get food ready for the day. The light as it begins to creep over the horizon and light the world after a long night of darkness. There is something about Thanksgiving morning that I really love. 

I can remember old versions of me who would get stressed thinking that everything needed to be perfect. I would be stressed that the house wasn’t clean enough or that people would be too hot with the wood stove burning, that the mashed potatoes wouldn’t be fluffy enough, or that the green bean casserole would be bland. Those days are long gone now and I am left with the excitement of a day filled with family and relaxation. 

I had gotten the food and house ready and there was a lull mid-morning with nothing to do. I stood staring outside at the cold, wet rain mixed with some sleet. I turned around quickly and looked at my Dad and husband. “Hey, do you want to go for a walk?” I asked. 

My father immediately said yes, but my husband wavered, pondering how much fun he would have walking for 2 miles in the cold November mix of rain and sleet. Eventually, he agreed to come also. My father went to put on his shoes and I shouted to him that I needed a couple of minutes. He acknowledged me and kept getting ready, and headed outside. As I changed into clothes for our walk, I realized that I had forgotten to give 2 of the boys their morning fruit and felt a little anxiety wash over me. My father was outside standing in the rain and sleet and I was going to be 2 or 3 more minutes before I would be ready. I began to rush as I cut up fruit and then caught myself. I was creating anxiety for myself on a day that I didn’t need to be feeling anxiety. My Dad knew that I needed a couple of minutes and made the choice to go outside anyway, my logical mind knew that he wasn’t standing out there frustrated with me. I slowed my movements, my mind, and my heart down. I simply wasn’t willing to give myself anxiety this morning, there was no need for it. I knew that if I could witness the reaction and behavior inside of myself, I could also challenge it. I wasn’t willing to be stressed today. I was going to meet myself with grace on this thanksgiving morning and break this pattern. I took a spontaneous deep breath and felt my body relax. I finished cutting up the fruit, handed it to the boys, and pulled on my jacket as I stepped out the door full of excitement rather than anxiety.