Some years are better than others. This one in particular has been more difficult largely due to the economic crisis, which has put millions out of work and made millions more fear that they will be next. Add to that the lost savings and homes, and adult children moving back in with their parents (perhaps with kids of their own), and some may have difficulty finding things they can be grateful about this Thanksgiving.
Well, if you have recently moved in with or taken in family, you may have a more crowded house, but you also have more love. Some people are fortunate enough to have family members they truly enjoy being around; having them live with you is more of a benefit than an inconvenience. And even if you don't really care for the situation, the truth is that it won't last forever, and in the end, it will leave you with some treasured memories.
For those who are out of work or earning less (and that would be most of us), I'm hearing that, after an adjustment period of getting used to living with less, life is pretty much the same. There are some new challenges, like budgeting or taking on another job. These people find themselves perhaps a bit wearier at the end of the day, but grateful that they can once again provide for their families.
A lot of people are re-educating themselves. Going back to college or attending trade school in midlife may not be all that attractive, but I did it a couple of recessions ago, and I will be forever grateful that I made the choice. The prospect is daunting, and the workload scary, but the results can be greater self-esteem, a stable income and the joy of doing something you love. Returning to school is not a sign of failure. By doing so, you are showing the world (and yourself) that you have the mettle to withstand what is thrown at you and the creativity to figure a way out. You are more than a survivor; you are a thriver. This is something else you can celebrate this Thanksgiving — or next.
If life is holding you down in any area, this day can help you take stock of what you have and what potential you have yet to uncover. Understandably, for those who have been battling the forces of the economy for the past year or so, it may be a little hard to see past the losses and envision a brighter future.
Maybe it won't happen next year, but sooner or later this recession will end. When it does, I think that many people will agree that what we hold most dear has nothing to do with prosperity. The most important thing in life will always be the love we have around us, and this Thanksgiving we can be truly grateful for it.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a marriage and family therapist in Westlake, Calif., is the author, most recently, of "Emotional Fitness at Work." He also hosts "Emotional Fitness" on NPR. SHNS