Before the parades, turkey and football

Just wanted to encourage those during the upcoming holiday. Those who have struggles being with a family member due to an addiction, those who have recently lost a loved one, and those who struggle with loneliness. During the Thanksgiving holiday it can be a time to sit back and think about all we have to be thankful for, but it can also stir up some inner struggles.  Keep in mind we all have our own challenges. Some deal with them differently then others. They may not be how we would deal with certain stressors, however, that doesn't mean they are the wrong way. Some of us eat a little more, drink a little more, self medicate a little more and some may run a little more. The emotions that we thought were resolved can start to well up and overflow.  Those who have lost a loved one this past year may be experiencing the "first" Thanksgiving without that loved one. They can become depressed over the holiday. The individual that is alone can really have a hard time being thankful. Keep an eye out for those less fortunate than yourself. Not by financial standards but by the riches of family and friends who love us for who we are.  It can be so easy to get wrapped up in our own world that we will forget to be there for someone else who really needs a friend or a hug. Give others the understanding and acceptance that we all desire.