About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
Thanks
silver spoons canada
(Oct.10.10)
I love Thanksgiving. It's without a doubt, my favourite holiday. There's no stress of gifts, no expectations; just a really kick-ass meal and good conversation with people you love.
But it's really the idea of giving thanks that resonates. It's a great time to reflect on the year that passed and take stock of what is good in our lives. (I actually use many holidays as check-in points throughout the year, since they're often ideal reflection-starters.) Here's what I'm thankful for this year:
Family. I spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws, their best friends, my brother-in-law and our kids. The actual biological children of my in-laws (my husband and his sister) were absent from the meal due to conflicting obligations (work and a trip). Yet I felt totally at home and happy to be with MY family at the meal. I hope my in-laws felt the same about us. I am truly grateful that the definition of family is so all-encompassing and that love crosses all kinds of boundaries. (I get to eat with my parents and sister later today -- and that's an entire post of gratitude unto itself.)
Health. This is a topic that many of us take for granted. Oh sure, we all pay it lip service, but do we live it? I came home from Thanksgiving dinner to news of a friend's illness. I hate that it takes moments like this to remind me of the importance of good health and being thankful for it, but thankful I am. She would want me to be.
Friends. I am not good with bad news. I sort of run around like "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" So I need to mobilize troops, get action started, focus on something other than the fact that the sky is falling. When I shared my worry over my ill friend, my friends rallied around instantly offering help to someone they don't know. My heart swells with joy when I think of the friendships I've cultivated over the years. Thanks friends. You're amazing.
Sweetspot. From my colleagues to my readers, everyone helps to make this job sweet. I know if I come in with sad face on Tuesday, some part of working here will brighten my outlook, be it a comment from an office mate or left online by a reader. Thanks.
My husband. He works so hard, yet still manages to be a family man. He makes us feel loved, cherished and safe; when I'm down he immediately says what I need to hear. He's my rock.
My kids. Looking at their sleeping faces last night, I felt a sense of calm. Knowing that when they wake you up the next day, they will make you laugh is a godsend in tough times. Their ability to live in the moment at all times teaches me to put the brakes on over-thinking things. And they inspire much-needed hope that everything will be OK. I'm lucky that I get to be their mom every day.
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?