Surviving Thanksgiving with the Family

While most everyone can agree that the food to be served at the holiday dinner table will most surely be scrumptious, the thought of the company you'll be keeping as you loosen your waistband may not be as appealing.  

Before you sit across from the sweet potatoes and your annoying Uncle Leroy, here are three tips to help you love the spirits of those you'll be dining with this holiday.

1.  Appreciate the fact that we're all spirits having a human experience on a big ball of dirt floating in the Universe.

That kind of puts life into perspective, doesn't it?

Really take a moment and look around the table remembering that you are truly looking into the faces of the Divine.  Each one of us has the same energetic spark at our very core.  We've all come into this world from the same place and we'll all be returning there as well. 

Each guest at that table is a beautiful and unique character in your life's "script" this time around.  Be thankful for the role they have played in your growth and evolution as a soul.

2.  Let go of judgement and anger... at least until dessert. 

It may not always seem like it, but I'm pretty sure that we're all just doing the best we can at any given moment.  Maybe your mother-in-law has commented on your turkey's lack of the perfect golden brown crust, or your brother complains about every onion he's finding in the stuffing. Yes, they can be infuriating.

And, believe me, I know what you'd like to do with that turkey right about now, but instead stop and remind yourself that you really have no idea what both of these people may be dealing with on a day-to-day basis.  I'm not saying it excuses rude behavior, but there may be a reason behind it.

Every person we meet on the street, at work, and even in our own families, has a story.  We all experience heartache, frustration, and loss.  And, until we walk a mile in someone else's shoes we may never know the true story, or the ups and downs, of his or her life. 

No one's perfect.  It's not even possible.  Dig deep inside yourself and find compassion and understanding for your fellow humans.  It's what you would like in return, right?

3.  Be present with each person at the table.

Don't rekindle the argument you had with your sister over who got grandma's pearls when she died, or dig up the grudge you've been holding against your cousin for stealing the date you wanted for your wedding twenty years ago. 

Life's too short for that.

And honestly, none of us know how long we have in this current incarnation so why waste any of it feeling anything but joy in the present moment.  Step outside of your ego and put your pride aside to be fully present with those around you feeling as much love and appreciation for them as you can muster.

And most of all, on this Thanksgiving remember that love is what brings you all together in this lifetime and will continue to connect you in the next.

Many blessings to you and yours!