I hope that everyone will have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Though the focus of the holiday has shifted to the Two F’s, Food and Football, it remains wise to remember all the things we have to be thankful for. Dealing with the disabled has allowed me to focus on simple things to be grateful about. For example, just not being in pain. No matter how bad a day you are having or how stressed out you are, it makes sense to take a moment to acknowledge that you are not in pain. For millions of people, there is no such thing as a pain-free day.
Take time to give thanks as well for a clear mind. Far too many people are profoundly troubled by anxiety, depression, or worse. While you are pausing to enjoy being free from pain, be glad as well that you are not too afraid or depressed to function.
On a personal note, I am grateful for being in a profession that allows me to help people. A former client stopped in yesterday. I helped him get his disability more than five years ago. I remembered him as being in poor health and in decline. But when I saw him yesterday he had lost weight and cleaned up and he had the look of a man who was focused and ready for anything. That sort of success story keeps me coming to work each day.
Enjoy the food and football, but don’t lose sight of the meaning of the day. It’s right there in the name, Thanksgiving.
