REFLECTION: A few weeks ago, I entertained a fantasy about how Thanksgiving might unfold this year. I come from a good sized farm family that has a long history of gathering the clan for special occasions. And so, I issued the Thanksgiving dinner invitation to my folks, my kids, my sisters and their extended families.

Although some family members are too far away to drop in for dinner, those most likely to be in the vicinity number 20 or more. In my mind, I picture a large group gathered in my home enjoying a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, leisurely drifting between house and garden throughout a warm, sunny fall afternoon.

Here’s how it actually unfolded. Everyone except my own youngsters and my parents had other plans. In the end, my parents ended up under the weather on ‘turkey day’ and elected to stay home rather than spread the bug. The weatherman delivered snow and temperatures well below zero. The garden that had still been quite beautiful the week before was frozen solid!

You might think I’d be disappointed – and I confess to having experienced a twinge or two in the run up to the event. However, it turned out to be a great Thanksgiving after all.

The small group made for lots of close and easy visits. There was less pressure to meet conflicting timetables for getting dinner on the table, and a small enough group that we actually sat at the table instead of balancing plates on our knees buffet-style. One sister and her family dropped over later in the day for a fun visit over coffee and pie.

The day after the dinner, my daughter, grandson and I delivered a ‘meals on wheels’ version of Thanksgiving leftovers to my folks at the farm, resulting in another good visit at that end. And, the weather, although chilly, was still decent enough to get outdoors for a few short walks.

ACTION: I’m reminded of the importance of not letting some fantasy picture of perfection interfere with enjoying the reality that unfolds on our doorsteps.

When life knocks at the door, open up, and welcome it in. Although, it may not be what you had expected, it could turn out even better than you’d imagined!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” – W.J. Cameron

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Here’s a tool to help you pay attention to the appreciative power of positive action. Print a copy of Pause Check and post it where you’ll be reminded of a few of the small but significant experiences that make up a very good day: http://www.pauseworks.com/library/documents/PauseCheck.pdf

READERS WRITE: In response to last week’s message, Get A ‘Smove On, Pause reader LR writes: “I always enjoy receiving your uplifting messages.  At times, I sadly don’t take the time to read them as thoroughly as I should and this is my loss. I took the time today and you know it was the best start I’ve had to my mornings in a couple of weeks.  Smile & Move is simple, clear, and easy to read.  Best of all it has a message that I honour.  I try to reflect these behaviours in my personal walk in life. Refreshers on what life should be and can be are sunbeams that keep this human going.”