Gratitude Now

Dear Readers,

I deviate from my usual column format to wish you Happy Thanksgiving! I believe it’s important to be grateful every day of the year - yes, even those days when everything seems to be going haywire - so let’s use this day to jumpstart the powerful attitude of gratitude.

Since I have a bit of space left to fill, I’d like to tell you a story often told around the family table on Thanksgiving in the 1800s. I learned about this tradition when I was doing research for my upcoming book, The Bootmaker’s Wife, which takes place in 1875-76. 

Two years after the first Thanksgiving, I believe the year was 1623, the colonists experienced a terrible drought, which resulted in a near famine.

William Bradford, the leader of the colony, compared their situation with that of the Romans who reported they had survived a great deal of time (no one says how long) on a daily ration of five kernels of corn.

Centuries later, in the best tradition of their American forefathers (and mothers), families showed gratitude for their abundance by offering their guests five kernels of corn (in addition to all the other yummy dishes) on Thanksgiving.

Over time, families added meaning to the kernels:

The first kernel reminds us of the beauty all around us.

The second reminds us of our love for one another.

The third reminds us of God’s love and care for us.

The fourth kernel reminds us of our many friends. 

The fifth kernel reminds us that we are a free people. 

So many opportunities for gratitude! In addition, I’m grateful for you, Dear Reader. For without you there would be no Ask the Life Coach column and I do enjoy “talking” with you.

Have a day, a week, a year filled of gratitude!!