By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters
My daughter flew in yesterday from Colorado for the first time in eighteen months. We see each other at least five times a year, but usually in Colorado. Today we will cook together and laugh about the different ways we do things. Rather than me telling her how to cook, the way my mother did, I allow her to express her creativity. When I allow Ariel to be herself, I get the best of her, rather than a suppressed version of herself. She may be my birth daughter, but she couldn’t be more different than me if she were adopted. I have to remember her way of communicating love is different than mine. My daughter feels happiest when she is shining her light out in the world, making a difference.
No matter how ingrained some things are for me about methodology and recipes, I allow Ariel to cook the way she wants to rather than following my lead. The more we allow our family to be themselves, rather than the people we wish them to be, the more joy that we experience being together.
Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is a wise and soulful healer, coach and hypnotherapist, who sees the root of people’s issues and empowers her clients to grow, expand and be their authentic selves to live happier and more fulfilling lives. She assists clients in business growth and decisions that make sense and are for their highest and best good. Ask her a question or choose to be empowered by setting up your free discovery session to live a guilt-shame free life of joy.
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| Thanksgiving in Georgia with son Adam circa 2009 |
For so many families of divorce, holidays mean a time of separation by distance, rather than love. Gratitude is part of my daily practice, but Thanksgiving is the day I wake up writing a post about all that I am grateful for before I even open my eyes. Of all the holidays that we celebrate in the United States, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for so many reasons.
I love Thanksgiving as it is a time for our family to come together and share stories, love and be
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| Adam, David, and Bill Gates with me in Colorado hiking |
together without the pressure of gift-giving. This year it is just my daughter, Ariel, who recently graduated from culinary school and I. my sons are with their father in Connecticut. We still share warm phone calls and humor over the phone lines.
My daughter flew in yesterday from Colorado for the first time in eighteen months. We see each other at least five times a year, but usually in Colorado. Today we will cook together and laugh about the different ways we do things. Rather than me telling her how to cook, the way my mother did, I allow her to express her creativity. When I allow Ariel to be herself, I get the best of her, rather than a suppressed version of herself. She may be my birth daughter, but she couldn’t be more different than me if she were adopted. I have to remember her way of communicating love is different than mine. My daughter feels happiest when she is shining her light out in the world, making a difference. 
No matter how ingrained some things are for me about methodology and recipes, I allow Ariel to cook the way she wants to rather than following my lead. The more we allow our family to be themselves, rather than the people we wish them to be, the more joy that we experience being together. Thanksgiving is a time to remember the people who have left us and can’t be seen at our tables, remembering our past lives together, and their contributions big and small.
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| Ariel, David and Jennifer in Colorado |
Thanksgiving reminds us of what we have and what is important, as we look around our tables at those we love and how important they are to us. Whether you dine with friends or eat alone here are some things to mull over today more than any day of the year.
From the time I wake up Thanksgiving day, it is a day of reverence, gratitude for all I have and all I receive. Following is my list of things I am grateful. You can use mine to build your own if you wish. Enjoy your day together today. Remember to take a walk outdoors after eating to enjoy each other away from the football games and noise. Revel in the beauty of nature breathing in love and exhaling gratitude.
Gratitude fills our heart with love and allows us to recognize all
that we have. The more grateful for what we have now, the more we open to receive. Gratitude is an expression of love. Even if you don’t feel loved or loving, gratitude will help you open our hearts and begin the process of being more loving.
Here’s my list:
- I am so grateful to be alive today.
- I am grateful for my vibrant health.
- I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and continue to learn in the process of life.
- I am grateful for my trust in myself and The Universe.
- I am grateful for my children, Adam, David and Ariel and how our relationships have shifted over the years to be more open, expressive and vulnerable.
- I am grateful that Ariel overcame so much (including the death of her father) and graduated from one of the best culinary schools in the US.
- I am grateful for my friends.
- I am grateful for my clients their expansion, growth, acceptance and how their relationships have become more loving and allowing.
- I am grateful for the rain we’ve had in the desert this week.
- I am grateful for my home, my pets and my life.
- I am so grateful that I have work that I love to do that fulfills me and helps so many others.
- I am grateful to be able to give back.
- I am grateful for nature, it’s beauty and every changing landscape.
- I am grateful for the abundance of food, fruit, and vegetables that grow so close to my home.
- I am grateful that nothing stays the same.
- I am grateful to have moved beyond depression, anxiety, and illness.
- I am grateful for the food on my table and money in the bank.
- I am grateful that I can pay my bills on time.
- I am grateful for those who show up to help me grow my business.
- I am grateful for my neighbor who takes care of my beloved pets while I travel.
- I am grateful for my brothers and their support throughout my life.
- I am grateful for the forgiveness of others towards me and my ability to forgive those that have hurt me in the past.
- I am grateful to feel happy, blissful and know that life is sweet when we believe it is.
- I am grateful or the wisdom, discernment, and Guidance I receive.
- I am grateful for my body that is healthy, vibrant and able to do what I want it to.
- I am grateful to sleep peacefully at night.
- I am grateful to wake up and feel safe in my home and town.
- I am grateful to have a car that is paid off; that runs well.
- I am grateful for all that I have learned and continue to learn that leads to further expansion.
- I am grateful for the magic in my life.
- I am grateful for me.
- I am grateful that you show up and read my blog and get a suggestion, or tidbit that helps you feel better or inspired for your life.
- I am grateful for the Universe, my Divine, the sun, moon, stars, planet earth and our entire galaxy.
- I am grateful for laughter as a great source of healing for us all.
- I am grateful for love.
Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is a wise and soulful healer, coach and hypnotherapist, who sees the root of people’s issues and empowers her clients to grow, expand and be their authentic selves to live happier and more fulfilling lives. She assists clients in business growth and decisions that make sense and are for their highest and best good. Ask her a question or choose to be empowered by setting up your free discovery session to live a guilt-shame free life of joy. 