I used to really hate the Hallmark, Fake History bullshit of Thanksgiving. It drove me nuts that everyone ran around pretending like we didn't commit genocide in this nation and that Native people loved helping, even at the expense of losing their entire culture - orthat you weren't really a full adult until you bought Fall decor and sent store-bought cards to your friends and family to celebrate this strange day of contradictions...

At some point, though, I realized that, as we descend into further darkness of the year, harder living, and reliance on what we've stored up in the abundance of spring and summer in order to make it through the winter, there's definitely a need to celebrate and give thanks.

Being with friends, family, and strangers drawn in to fill out a motley crew is my favorite way to spend this day, now, and I use it as a reminder to genuinely give thanks for all the many gifts life has given me. I hope you can enjoy this day in the same spirit: gratitude and sharing.

A short list of gratitude -- please share yours in the comments!

-The other half of my soul
-Family
-Friends
-Love
-My home
-My freedom despite the massive efforts to steal it
-My little chickie ladies
-A yard to grow food in
-My health and continued healing
-All my needs consistently being met
-The ability to do what I love and be more and more supported in it
-Sharing with others
-ALL OF YOU!

The more we focus on what we have and how grateful we are for it, the more we get to live in further gratitude for the further gifts that come!

Be still and know that you are.