http://lindsaydigital.com/blog/images/thanks06.jpg (THANK YOU)

Although Thanksgiving is an American tradition , the premise for it can be appreciated and celebrated by anyone.   The tradition began with the Pilgrims who gave thanks for the bounty of the fall harvest after coming to the new land of the Americas.   It was a three day feast celebrated alongside the Native American Indians who helped share their knowledge of growing food.

Today in The Bahamas many celebrate Thanksgiving, and a reason to come together and eat is always welcomed.   Why not have a new tradition or share traditions throughout the world.  If it connects us as people, why not?

One year an idea came to my mind, and so I took a piece of poster paper and placed it up in a common area of our home.   I wrote in big letters at the top of it, “I am thankful for…” and left a black marker there for anyone to use. I added a couple words straight away myself. I’ve enjoyed walking past this poster each day as my four children add what they are grateful for onto the paper.   Some things surprise me, but they all make me smile. Life is good!

We usually take a few minutes during our Thanksgiving dinner to state out loud around the table what we are thankful for.  It brings meaning to eating so abundantly and makes us remember the less fortunate, family, and what life is truly about.

But Thanksgiving is just one day, and we can give thanks any day of the year.   Why not try the poster in your home, or a special talk at dinner where you share what you are grateful for.   Or simply tell your spouse, or child that you appreciate them. We can give thanks in little ways too, just being sure to say ‘thanks’ to the gas attendant, bank teller, doorman, or anyone that gives you a courtesy.   A small word goes a long way.

I learned about Gratitude Journals about 10 years ago, and I still keep one today. The idea behind them is to write at least 5 things a day that you are grateful for. I may not do it as faithfully as I did in the beginning but I still keep one in my night table and pull it out from time to time. It has become a beautiful reflection of my life as well!

Sometimes being grateful when we are going through a tough time can seem almost impossible. But it is those times especially, that being grateful can really help us. To ‘count our blessings’ when we feel we are less than, or have been slighted, is really a good way of see how abundantly blessed we are, just by being alive.

So if an American celebration (a meal together once a year) triggers the gratitude in us, I can only say GO for it! Thanksgiving is a GOOD thing, no matter what country we live in. Enjoy that turkey, and don’t forget to say your grace!

Enjoy this wonderful inspiring movie to get you in the mood>> ThanksGiving Movie  by Mary Robinson Reynolds.

"Find the good -- and praise it."  --Alex Haley

"If the only prayer you say in your life is "thank you," that would suffice." --Meister Eckhart

About the author: Robbin Whachell has been a resident of Grand Bahama since 1998. She moved to Freeport from Vancouver, Canada. She is the mother of four children and is an involved volunteer in the community, in particular with the YMCA.

She is a founding member of the Grand Bahama Writer's Circle, and The Bahamas representative for the International Women's Writer's Guild. Her passion for life on Grand Bahama comes across in her innovative and intuitive sharing and networking of information within the community she lives.

She is appreciative of her opportunity to live in The Bahamas and looks forward to the continuance of being a team player within the larger community of The Bahamas. Robbin is the Editor of TheBahamasWeekly.com and can be reached at robbin@thebahamasweekly.com