Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I always start reflecting on the year around this time. And in the spirit of the annual recognized Day of Thanks, and with the end of the year in sight, things start coming to mind . . .

I keep saying it’s been an intense time. Maybe every year is intense in different ways. My husband and I will be married 32 years next year. Some time ago, we started thinking of all that had happened over the years . . . we started by saying, oh, that first year was a doozy . . . oh and remember what happened the next year? And then that was the year that all THAT happened . . . and that dragged on for years . . . and then . . . and then . . .

At some point we looked at each other and began to laugh. Each year has it challenges, joys, love, agonies, celebrations, tragedies, light, sadness, delight, disappointment, happiness and comfort. All of our years have been interesting ones to say the least. And, we are here to tell the tale.

And I am grateful for that. I am grateful for each difficult step that prepared me and was essential for the next steps of my life. I am grateful for every person that ever showed up and tried to help me, comfort me, guide me, love me . . . even when I couldn’t accept it. I am grateful for every person that pushed my buttons so I could see what energy I was holding and needed to heal in myself. I am grateful for everyone that showed me and taught me kindness. I am grateful for everyone that didn’t show me kindness so I could feel what that felt like and develop compassion for myself . . . and eventually, compassion for them. I am grateful for the friends who understand how much of an introvert I am and my limitations when it comes to being social. I am grateful for the people who truly see me and love me – when I’m at my best and when I’m not.

I have had many difficulties in my life – and many blessings. Just like everyone else. I’ve always liked the story that says if we all put our troubles in the middle of the room, we’d check out everyone else’s issues, and take ours right back.

I’m infinitely grateful for everyone and for all the vagaries of my life. I’ve learned something from every single person and every experience. And I’m grateful that I’ve learned that the most we can do, and often the only thing we can do, for ourselves or others, is cultivate kindness, compassion, and be willing to love.