Home Alone Thanksgiving 2010

We hear from the media, our friends, family and co-workers that we're supposed to be joined together in happiness with family and friends today. Or maybe someone else who is very special. Maybe you had your plans made and your bag packed, but it didn't work out.

Are you sitting inside feeling sad? Well, let's think about it.

Take out a piece of paper and pencil. Things seem different when actually in black and white instead of abstract. Even though you are alone, let's write down 10 things you are thankful for and why being at home could even be a good thing.

While you're at it, make the day special for yourself in some little way. Use one of your good plates or a glass you never bother to get out. Don't just eat your chips out of a bag. And don't eat a full bag all by yourself.

We all have something to be thankful about. Maybe you'll have to think awhile, but you will indeed be able to make a list.

I'll give you a few suggestions.

Your health - even if not the best, often if you look around there are people much worse off than you.

Death - yes, you lost someone near and dear, but take a little time to noodle around the good times you at one time had together. If you did not, think about how you can now make your life or some one else's better.

Your home - maybe you have lost it or are in the process. Take time to think about the good times you have had and how once again [and maybe you need to step forth and ask for help] you can move forward.

Children - are they here and causing you grief? Are they gone? Don't they get along? What two simple things could you do to alleviate the situation? Could you ask someone else to help? Could you visit by texting, online, phone, or letter/card - or whatever means you have? Take some time to think of ways you could make yourself feel better about your kids.

Parents - are they driving you nuts? Do they live too far away or too close? Do they run your life or do they stay out of your life completely? Are they ill? Do they whine, do they need money or do they want to tell you how to spend your money? Write down three suggestions on how you could better deal with the situation. Be honest. Dilly dallying and not dealing with problems only makes them worse.

Job - yes, you have a job, but you hate it. You'd do anything to not be there, but you must have the money and you haven't found anything else. Or, maybe you are afraid to take a risk. Do you think about starting your own business? Have you made a work plan and tried to figure out the different needs to be successful? Educated risks are not necessarily a bad thing or we would have no business ventures, either large or very small.

Your car or other expense you weren't planning - did you have to buy new tires or have something completely overhauled that was truly shocking to you and your budget? Not everyone is able, but try to live below your paycheck so you can put even a few dollars away each paycheck. Not that $10 would be very helpful, but $500 that you've carefully saved can pull you through a tough time. You must have more coming in than going out. Are you or someone in your family able to hold down a part time job?

Christmas is near and maybe you are concerned about not being able to buy gifts. Well, maybe this year you will have to do some very creative thinking. However, start planning for next year and work part time or try to save prior to the holiday season. Everyone is extra busy during the holidays so often it really isn't the best time to think of working extra hours.

Yourself - do you keep yourself clean and neat? Do you visit with people as you go about your day? Do you hand out kind words when you see good things? If you do, you'll find your days are much better. The days of others may be uplifted also. When someone comments about your beautiful blue scarf, doesn't it make a little sparkle in your eye? And remember, these things don't cost anything.

On the back of your paper write the numbers one through ten. During the next week write down some good thing you've done and think how it made you feel. It will take away some of those negative thoughts you have on your mind.

Maybe you think you've heard all of this before? Yes, you have, but have you moved forward on the suggestions? Even just reading this you haven't been dwelling on your own self.

And now, maybe read a book or watch a favorite t.v. show and relax. Enjoy what you've made of this special day at home alone.