Radio74: Season 4 Episode 4 - Thankful

A quick bit of thought as the afternoon settles on this Thanksgiving day. 

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Podcast Season 4 Episode 04 – Thankful

 

The origin of Thanksgiving is something that doesn’t always come up in the most factual of ways. A general overview often stated in most history lessons is that native americans helped the Plymouth colonists. And,… that is true. To a degree.

In fact the more you look into it, the further it flows from the modern aspects that seem so traditional.

Hello, I’m Mario, the Artisan Rogue, welcome back to Radio74.

So with that lead in, one could surmise that I would be going into the history of Thanksgiving. Well I’m not. As I sit here with the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special playing on my AppleTV, my mind wanders over to thoughts past and present.

Now, I know I started off talking about the Thanksgiving as a holiday, but for me, it’s grown to be something else. Of course it’s a time to gather with the important ones in your life, to spend time with them, to reflect back upon the days past, and the days ahead.

But something that I had always ignored, was the present when it came to this particular day. Speaking from a personal point, I used to take so many things for granted in life. Or maybe I’d not take the time to just be in the moment, and relish how alive I would feel.

Now, I’m coming at this as someone who has been lucky enough to have family and friends throughout most all holidays, present in my life. I used to be the sort of person that would get massive anxiety and just feel overwhelmed at the idea of having to prepare to be social.

I’m a fairly social person, but when there’s an accompanying amount of hub bub, well, I get a very Charlie Brown sized sort of worry that begins to grow in me.

But this year is different isn’t it?

Like this past Halloween holiday, things seem a bit more muted, reserved, and even sparse.

I took to looking on Twitter and some other social media to get the feelings of the day, and aside from the ire that was either directed at political circus shenanigans or the absolutely ba-nay-nay mess of a launch for the PlayStation5, the majority of posts,… seemed well… light hearted, if not supportive, and thankful.

As I stare over at the monitor and watch the last few segments of the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special play out, I feel this emotion of grateful hope begin to slowly blossom.

Is it maybe a false path lit by the promise of a year coming ever closer to and end? Or is it maybe a wistful and older me, wishing for things to be better for everyone?

Washing the static from my head, I removed my glasses and rubbed my eyes. They’ve felt worn and heavy for some time.

Looking down at my phone, I think to all the people I’ve not seen in some time, the art shows, the places I miss. Even my contractor’s desk at Hallmark.

But I realize, it’s a gratefulness that is residing in me, that most of us, have made it this far. I am thankful that the world did not completely go to hell this year.

That’s such an odd way to look at it right? I’m not crazy for thinking that way am I?

I mean, I really wanted to be able to sit down, and think about just the people that matter to me, and the happiness that I do have in my life.

But, what I’m most thankful for, is that there is a tomorrow, that will follow this present moment. And for a little while, I can sit here, comfortable, safe, and hopeful.

And what I’m most hopeful for, is that someday, all people of all walks of life, will be able to have time with family, with loved ones, and that the worries, the fears, the sadness that have crossed our paths, that have shaped us, and changed us,… will be easier to traverse.

Because I hope that, and this is going to sound very hippy dippy, the very differences we have, will be a foundation that we all can unite around someday.

Life, by it’s very nature, isn’t easy. Not for the vast majority of us.

I’m thankful for the days ahead, whatever may come. And I’m grateful for the ones in my life that walk along with me on this path of life, for whatever time we have, to whatever end.

Thank you for listening. Have a happy holiday, and take the time to slow down and appreciate all you have, and all that you are.

I’m Mario, the Artisan Rogue, you can find me on all the social media sites, under, the artisan rogue.

Until next time, take care.