Thanksgiving Goal

Sometimes I sit down in front of my computer and think, “I have absolutely nothing to say, nothing to write about. My mind is empty, my fingers aren’t moving, and I feel like a desperado sitting here staring at the keys.” Well, this is how I feel right now.

My goal is to always write something that readers will enjoy. If I can get them to laugh out loud or start crying, even better. What really makes my day is when someone says, “I read your blog and it was awesome.” I love the idea that I made something other people enjoy. The arts-highschooler in me cringes at this confession. At Perpich we learned all about “Art for Art’s Sake” (If anyone can tell me who invented that phrase, without googling it, will be my favorite person for a whole day!) I should write just to experience the artistic process, I should be glad when people don’t like what I say because it means I am artistically above them, I should revel in being shunned and unappreciated. But let’s face it – who wants to be dismissed and considered useless?  Artsy Freakos, that’s who.

No matter what a normal person creates, they want it to be liked and valued by other people; whether it’s cars, paintings, cell phones or baking powder. (“Darling, our house of dreams will use nothing other than Rolling’s Reliable Baking Powder.”  Can I get a whoot-whoot?) Every biology teacher wants their students to be excited about photosynthesis and ecosystems – even though this very rarely happens. Wanting others to appreciate your hard work is part of human nature.

Unfortunately, people often overlook each other’s accomplishments. I can think of a million teachers I never thanked for introducing me to a great author, or dumbing down chemistry enough for me to pass. I can think of a million friends I never said “Wow, you are so good at cooking, sewing, serving, or making me laugh.” I can think of a million times when I didn’t tell Jordan how incredible I think he is. It is so sad! Why are we so inclined to seek praise for ourselves but never really stop to praise the good in others?

I think Thanksgiving is the perfect time to practice appreciating the awesomeness of others. It can be your husband, your boss, your mom, or that neighbor you simply can’t stand (the last one might be more of a challenge, but go for it!) (I can’t believe I just said “go for it”, you can tell I have been writing for Alice.)

My challenge to myself this Thanksgiving will be to seek out the great qualities in other people. It is going to be hard. Anyone who knows me from my “previous” life knows I am very inclined to be critical and sarcastic. But I believe I can change!!! I can stop, look around, and say, “I am surrounded by people who are fascinating – and I am going to let them know that!”

So for my entire Thanksgiving break I will try to tell at least three people they are gifted in some area every day. I will report at the end of my vacation and give you Jordan’s assessment, because mine will be biased.

Wish me luck!!!

P.S. Sorry that this post was just a rambling digression. I really had no point when I started.

P.S.  Isn’t it fun that I can use the word “googling”?