Well, my favorite holiday is upon us and I am not sure how it got here so fast! I am still hanging out in Arizona and cringing for my family and friends in the Midwest and Northeast as you are slammed by snow storms and freezing temperatures.
We enjoyed a scrumptious early Thanksgiving meal at my oldest daughter Laura's home in Michigan early in November. With all three daughters present, it was a special moment. During our time together, we acknowledged six of our birthday's, but the one we celebrated, was Allyson's, as she hit a special number!!
We also journeyed up to Frankenmuth, MI for the Bavarian Inn's famous chicken dinner and a visit to Bronner's, the biggest Christmas store in the world. Frank and I began this tradition over 35 years ago when our kids were small, and even though I have had more than enough chicken to last me several life times, I still love seeing the grand kids' excitement for the whole experience, especially the littlest ones.
I went back to Phoenix on the 13th, and some really pleasant, non-scorching temperatures. (Apologies to those back east!) This past weekend my grandson, Cody, was off to a party while the rest of us got ready to attend a national women's volleyball tournament that Kimberly's college was competing in. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I appreciate how simple, yet meaningful a holiday it is. I realize how life's small moments really matter in the present and in the long run. As soon as we make something complex, it loses its essence, its heart. Black Friday has encroached on one of the best holidays of the year, but I am noticing a wall of resistance building, as several businesses are refusing to participate. The commercialism is way over the top now... but all it would take is our lack of participation to restore some common sense and value to Thanksgiving Day!
Sitting on a rock in the desert, I reflected on how much wonderful time I have been spending with my daughters and their families. As I drive around the U.S. dealing with the unexpected and unknown,
I am learning what 'going with the flow' really means and feels like. I have learned how detaching from a desired outcome allows me to fully embrace the process and the unplanned directions that process may take me in. I am appreciative that my daughters have so lovingly allowed me to 'flow' in and out of their homes.I am learning I not only don't need control over much, but more importantly, I don't have control over much. Acceptance of this wisdom really allows me to be in the present moment with little or
Kimberly, family and I saw an amazing national volleyball championship game in Phoenix. Her College, Glendale College, seeded 10th, played Parkland College from Illinois, who were seeded 1st. The family and I saw the semi-finals were they lost the first two games and came back to win the last three!
WOW! My daughter and I went back to watch the finals the next day, and saw a repeat were her team lost the first two games and came back to win the last three and so, the championship! It wasn't so much about their victory, it was the magical process of shifting from being overwhelmingly nervous to being in the 'zone.'
It is hard enough as an individual to move yourself out of high anxiety into a place of high alignment with your wholeness; but to see 13 individuals do it cooperatively was 'a thing of beauty!'
I am interviewing them on Wednesday and will share what I learn from these highly motivated young women who inspired not only themselves, but all who were watching, to reach for the impossible!Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
With Gratitude,
Elaine
