The Path to Recovery: Embracing Healing, Acceptance and Growth

Pretty loves me. For a small, furry creature, she does undertand that I love my family, including the furry ones. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which seems to have been replaced with the mantra of “Christmas is coming soon,” I wanted to share a few excerpts from the news. Most times we tend to see the negative news, since tragedy makes headlines. But there are beautiful stories out there too. I like to periodically check https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news for positive news. Note that articles update frequently so the headlines I am seeing now may not be available if you click later. Just looking at articles, a mystery Santa pays off all of the layaway items at a Walmart. A doctor and a rescued runner reunite. A man in the Boston area has been hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for 33 years. There are so many beautiful stories out there, but they have almost become a special interest. The news seems to favor shootings, stabbings, business closings, and all of things that bring us down. One of my favorite things to do is hunt the positive. It’s out there. We, as a people, have one thing in common: we are unique. Each of us brings our own unique perspectives to the universe. Each of us has different skills, and different viewpoints on using our skills. Don't get down by the negatives. There are many positive and beautiful stories every day. Since I’m authoring this work and my wife doesn’t know I’m doing this post, I’m going to say what I need to say. My wife studies psychology at the master’s level. She’s smart and insightful. I always tease her that courses should revolve around what type of couch to buy for therapy. But the truth is that school alone doesn’t make her good at helping people. She has that empathetic spirit that makes her want to get through to people to open up and help solve their issues. Not everyone can do that. I doubt many have her skills to do that. Do you have a teacher, a mentor, or someone who guides you to do the right thing? Do you have someone who has empathy for you and motivates you to better yourself? Thank them. Your parents raised you to be the awesome you that you are? Thank them. Your grandparents gave you unconditional love? Thank them. Your neighbor served our country to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens? Thank them. This is the beginning of a great time of year. I’m not one for cold weather, but the spirit of these times can be beautiful. We all tend to get so wrapped up in gift giving that we forget the most magical part of all of this, which is thankfulness. Christmas tradition is to celebrate the birth of Christ. We give thanks for the sending of Jesus to save us. Passover celebrates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Kwanzaa celebrates thankfulness for the cultural values and heritage of African identity. All of these in some manner focus on a spirit of being thankful. Before we hit the true Christmas season, let’s get through Thanksgiving. Hopefully, you have a table to dine with those you love. Not everyone does. If you do, be thankful. And if you want to make a difference in the world, just find your niche. Can you give financially to a soup kitchen or food program? Great. Can you donate some time to serve? Even better! Can you help someone near you who may not have anywhere to go for the holidays? Invite them over! Whatever you can do is welcome. Realistically, we want to have a thankful heart. And to really make life beautiful, be the person whom others will think, if not say to you, “Thank you.”

Being Thankful

Altruism can be just a simple gesture

Self-image (doggy style)

Letting go and moving forward

Unconditional Love

Welcome from Life of Pretty