Here we are the day before turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. For many, that is reality; for others, like me, it’s waiting for an invite to dinner or making a reservation. It’s also about sitting around a beautiful table, holding hands while saying grace, and then talking freely and laughing loudly.

As it was for the Pilgrims in 1621, its primary intent is gratitude—simple gratitude.

I’m writing this after an intense and joyful day. Five women and I joined forces and worked hard to help Lori, owner of the Old Library Inn, do a fall cleanup of the beautiful historic property. In the process, we benefitted just as much or more. After we finished our task, we sat around a table with no linens, silver, or china, eating a sandwich on a plastic dish. It was, for me, an absolute meal of Thanksgiving.

Gratitude is simple yet complex and a necessity for mental wellness. Like most things, it starts with a thought and ends as a feeling.

Please reflect on G-R-A-T-I-T-U-D-E as I use the four to five-hour experience as an example.

• It started with a spontaneous meeting of two women with similar thoughts.

• Lori, God bless her, reluctantly accepted our strange offer with grace.

• Six women said, “Yes, I would love to,” and showed up with tools and smiles.

• Lori and her sister-in-law, also named Lori, provided tarps, zip ties, and anything we wanted from PKC Coffee at The Carnegie. Delicious.

• We were motivated by each other and worked alone and together.

• We did it our way but approved and complemented each other’s work.

• We completed the project with sore muscles, exhaustion, and exhilaration.

• We helped Lori, each other, and ourselves to the very end.

• We shared a meal of congratulations for a job well finished.

• Lori showered us with much thanks and appreciation.

• Lori’s husband, Avery, hauled away all branches and leaves and said, “Thank you!” numerous times. I say, “You’re welcome—we enjoyed helping.”

We couldn’t have done it without each other’s willingness, good health, and attitude. The glorious, beloved historic building stands stately on her own city block. Our newly formed team, “Friends of the Old Library,” is anchored, willing, and grateful.

Tomorrow, as you scramble to prepare the family’s favorite dishes and clean the kitchen when it’s over, or, like me, remember your credit card for the ticket. Whatever we do, let’s give thanks for the established fourth Thursday of November. It provides us pause to dissect the meaning of gratitude and what it takes to keep a continual flow of “Thank you!” in our thoughts, hearts, and words.

Everyone benefits–it’s hard to beat a win-win.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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