Every year at Thanksgiving my family goes around the table, and we share what we’re thankful for. Now it sounds cheesy, but it’s honestly one of my most favorite times because it reminds me to be grateful for what I have. Sometimes it can be hard to be grateful, especially if you feel that you’re at a time in your life where things aren’t going as you planned and all you can think about are the not so good things happening. That can make it hard to remember to be grateful for what you do have and not lament over what you don’t have.
When you’re going through a divorce, we know it can be difficult, especially when the holidays are upon us. This may be your first holiday without your spouse and may be the first time that you’re not spending a certain holiday with your kids. That may put you into a funk that makes it difficult to enjoy the holidays and all that you do have to be thankful for. But going through a divorce and sharing the time you have with your kids with your ex-spouse does not have to ruin the holidays.
For example, if you don’t get to have your kids on Thanksgiving, maybe think about starting a new tradition of celebrating on another day. Thanksgiving Day is an arbitrary day, and you can still enjoy a wonderful meal with your family on another day. Really who wouldn’t love getting to have more than one Thanksgiving meal! It’s important to start new traditions with your kids so that they know that no matter what their family looks like they will still always have an enjoyable holiday.
I’m still grateful that I live in California and especially San Diego where I get to see the ocean every day and pretty much every day is nice enough to be outside. I’m also grateful for my health, and although there are health challenges I am healthy and strong and staying active with hiking, peloton rides, lifting weights and doing yoga.
While I’m sad that my Mom died earlier this year, I’m also grateful that her battle with dementia ended for her and for us and I’m thankful that my Dad is healthy and living nearby in AZ and visiting us often. I’m also grateful for wonderful friends (especially those that are basically family) and everyone who works with me.
Lastly, but most importantly I’m so grateful to get to be a Mom to Madison, something that took time to get to and to be raising her with my wonderful Husband Mike and for celebrating 5 years of marriage and 11.5 years of being together this month! Once I get going it’s easy to go on and on because even when things are challenging me I know, I have a lot to be grateful for.
by: Amanda Singer
