In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude

At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.

Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.

Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.