Our Thankful Tree- Gratitude in abundance

This year has been despicable with the pandemic confronting us and leaving us in jeopardy.

What can we possibly be thankful for in 2020?

While many of us are struggling to find a reason to be thankful about anything, I have realized many aspects to be grateful for.  At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.

We have all passed the different phases of this Pandemic, from lockdowns, adapting virtual schools, buying new furniture to work from home, stocking groceries, cooking a variety of cuisines, checking online for the disinfectant wipes and sanitizers that were mostly out of stock, tracking the COVID 19 positive cases,  playing online games with friends and families, celebrating special occasions via zoom calls, wearing trendy masks, trying varieties of homemade immunity boosters, adapting to curbside pickups, washing the veggies numerous times, walking and exercise felt like taking a trip, missing family and friends, that spark when you hear optimistic news about the vaccines, contented with small gatherings, porch pickup tamboolam for the festivals, even a smallest gesture felt so joyful..

It has indeed been a rollercoaster ride and we have had the opportunity to rediscover, what pleases us, people who matter, appreciating every single effort from our doctors and health care workers, value for relationships, humility, simple living, incorporating self-care,  Rather than rushing off to baseball games and work meetings, cooking dinner together, trying new dessert recipes, and enjoyed movie nights with families was the priority. Gratitude helped people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

This Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on the negativity this pandemic had to offer, perhaps we all need to take time to be grateful for what we have gained after being forced to slow down and spend time with those who are most important to us. 

In a casual discussion at out dinner table, we came up with this idea of ‘OUR THANKFUL TREE’. We set it up the next morning, with minimal effort, ensured hygiene by adding a sanitizer to the supplies bin. Announced it on our community forums and it was all set! A few days later, we had these precious responses from our neighbors making our tree colorful!

From little kids to the elderly everyone were thankful for their family, friends, teachers, employers, pets, food, shelter, health, ice cream, universe… Showing gratitude is one of the simplest and yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. Isn’t it?

And.. we sure are thankful for everyone who took time and wrote for our thankful tree 🙂

This Thanksgiving, while we might be far away from family, yet closest in their thoughts and prayers. No matter what you need, they are here when you need us. We journey together on the path toward remembering, cherishing, healing, and sharing time with those who need us.  From our family to yours, we keep you in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts and we are thankful for each of you. May blessings be yours this Thanksgiving.

Hoping to bid a goodbye to this pandemic Sooner and making our lives HAPPYDEMIC!