Thanksgiving Blessings

Even a sunrise is a blessing.

With Thanksgiving weekend upon us, I have a list of things I am grateful for:

1. Having all of my senses working.

2. A Dad who has learned to never stop learning about life and taught me that in order to change the world around me, I must first change myself.

3. A Mom who has fought all my life for my dignity and who taught me to always stand up for myself.

4. Living in a country that, at it’s core, wants to lead the world to freedom & justice.

5. A roof over my head, delicious healthy food, and a warm bed to sleep in.

6. The knowledge and wisdom of a healthy diet and exercise.

7. A human body that has never let me down.

8. A singing voice that I use to express my inner desires.

9. Music and the Arts: the two things that give me joy and strength in good and not-so-good times.

10. Family and friends who love and support me, and grow with me from strength to strength.

11. This blog, which I use to be a voice for people on the Autism Spectrum; I am grateful that it has gained much notice after just one year.

I wish all of my readers a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving weekend.  I hope you all stay safe during the rush of Black Friday and the weekend.  I leave you with a poem that is close to my heart.  Though it’s origins are unclear, it’s words still resonate with me.  I appreciate all those who read my blog, you deserve many blessings.  May you be of strong heart.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.