On Giving Thanks...

Here in Canada, this weekend was Thanksgiving weekend. Every year, generally, my entire family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma, everyone) gets together at one of my aunts' houses. We always do a big dinner and a family day, which always includes some time at the park, playing football and badminton and some games (board games or otherwise...this year we did Minute to Win It challenges).

This weekend is always pretty stressful for my family, because my brother has a hard time with all the people and the noise. My younger brother has autism, and often times finds these family get togethers quite overwhelming and difficult. He usually ends up having to leave early, and my parents are just stressed trying to watch him (he's a runner!). This year while we were at the park...he jumped in a pond...oh Gordie...
BUT, he made it through the whole day! And didn't leave until after the dinner and park time, just before Minute to Win It. So it was a great day for him!

There are many things that I am thankful for. I am very thankful for my little brother, who teaches me patience, compassion, empathy, how to be fully alert, how to have fun without saying a word. I am thankful for the passion he inspired in me to study to become a Developmental Services Worker (DSW). I am thankful for all the great times we shared together at Camp. I am thankful for my loving family, who is always there for me, even when I've stranded myself 3 provinces away with no money for a train ticket home (thank mom!). I am thankful for my awesome apartment and my rad roommates. I am super thankful for this fitness project through my program, my super personal trainer, the FREE fitness classes being offered to us through our program, and the cheap cheap cheap gym I just joined. I am thankful for realizing that now is the best time to get healthy, while I'm young, but also knowing that it's never to late to turn your life around. I am thankful for the sun, the fresh air, the leaves and the sky. I am thankful for having everything I need, and squeaking by with my payments. I am thankful for OSAP and grants and bursaries.

I am also thankful for my ability to make wise dietary choices this thanksgiving. No regrets! I ate well AND well. (aka plentiful and healthful) Lots of squash, cauliflower, cranberries, water, some potato, carrots and a bit of stuffing. Delish!) No turkey over here!

"In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" -Thessalonians 5:18

Source: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4529556

tim wakefield tim wakefield jacqueline kennedy jacqueline kennedy jackie o john kennedy jr john kennedy jr