Being Thankful!

This weekend is Thanksgiving and we have celebrated it with family and friends.  It used to be the time to celebrate harvest but as snow covers most of Alberta and crops are lying on the fields, this would not be the year to celebrate that.  As a society in whole, we have removed ourselves from the struggles of others especially when it does not directly affect us individually.  Was I thinking of the farmers who are currently struggling?  We talked about it a bit but I was in my little bubble celebrating the family and friends that I have been surrounded with.   As we sat and chatted around the table (because Thanksgiving is all about food LOL) I tried to step back and really look at all the things that I was thankful for.


Now, taking this step back really gave me the chance to look at the things that I am thankful for around me.  I have been raised with loving parents, a father that has wrapped his arms around me and made me his little girl even though I am not his biological child.  A husband who has supported and loved me through good times and bad, and helped raise children who are confident, caring, and supportive as well.  Friends and family that have always been by my side.  As I sat back and thought of these things, it changed how I thought of situations around me.  I was not annoyed by the bickering of siblings, I was trying to help my sister in the kitchen instead of taking over, comments that use to bug me no longer did.  My attitude not only changed how I interacted with others, it changed how others interacted as well. 


While I was thinking of things that I am thankful for, Kung Fu came easily to my mind.  I could never have imagined that walking into the Kwoon years ago, trying to find an activity that would help my children with self confidence, has allowed our family to bond in ways that we have.  It has brought new and dear friends into our lives and training partners that I cherish both in and out of the Kwoon.  Kung Fu has opened my eyes to the struggles of those around me and helped give me the skills to be able to help. It has helped me REALLY look at my attitude and realize that there is so much more I can improve on and I guess that is another thing I can be thankful for.  The ability to live life and the ability to want to be better every day.


See you on the mats!