The Grateful Box (by Elizabeth)
One week before Thanksgiving and we’re hauling out the decorations. Rather meager items, I must say, like the politically incorrect Pilgrims and Indians candleholders.
Buried in the bottom of the cardboard decorations container is a special wooden box, hand painted by a small child who is now almost 18. Each year I leave the box on the counter with a pen and small slips of paper. Every member of the family writes a thought of gratefulness on a paper and deposits it into the box. Over the week we add as many grateful suggestions as possible. Then I read all our comments aloud on Thanksgiving morning.
There are no restrictions and no censorship. One year, when the boys were 7 and 12, one of them wrote that he was thankful for his penis. Fair enough.
Today I’ll start jotting down my own areas of appreciation and gratitude.
First, I want to thank my youngest son who taught me:
1. Resentment is an ugly emotion. No, I don't resent the fact that I am stuck in this hotel room with you while the rest of the family parties out on the town.
2. Patience. No, I'm not impatient whne you have an anxiety attack everytime I plan a night out.
3. The meaning of unconditional love. Yes, I know you love me and don't want me out of your sight.
4. Problems are better solved if tackled together rather than alone. Together we've learned new ways to deal with depression and anxiety, perfectionism and expectations. A sincere thank you!
Tell me, what would be in your Grateful Box? Or post a comment here.
For some delightful moments of Gratitude, visit The Zen of Motherhood by Mama Zen.
Photo by Mary Pohlmann
Comments
I think the grateful box is a wonderful idea. It's been a long, physically challenging year for me. Hard to be grateful. But when I get past me I can see that I have much to be thankful for. I live in the basement of my daughter's home. I am grateful for a son-in-law who loves me enough to invite me to share their space this way. I have four grandchildren who keep me from being totally isolated and bring me hugs and kisses. My husband is winding down his life, and I miss the man I married. But I can still be grateful for the years we have loved and laughed together. I am also grateful that 'though he is nearing the end he is pain-free.
Posted by: Eve | November 15, 2007 12:04 PM
That is an awesome idea! I love it...I'm going to steal it :).
Well, I'm grateful for smart bloggers who share cool ideas.
I'm also grateful that I work for an incredible company that can understand when I have to spend the work week in bed.
P.s. I love that picture!!
Posted by: FXSmom | November 15, 2007 4:24 PM
Thank you so much for the mention!
If I had a grateful box, I would just put one little note inside:
"You have more to be grateful for than could ever fit in this box. Remember that!"
Great idea!
Posted by: Mama Zen | November 15, 2007 6:45 PM
Hi,
You've been randomly tagged in a NaBloPoMo meme. Check out my website for the details.
Posted by: Cricket | November 16, 2007 5:54 AM
Thanks you for the wonderful idea of the grateful box, Elizabeth and thank you for starting the site I went to today where I have FINALLY met a group of women a little more in my age group! I have just read two of your posts and I already feel a connection to your writing that I don't get with the younger bloggers. A good day in my new blogging life! Also, thanks for the great comment about nicknames in your family.
Posted by: Sandra | November 16, 2007 5:34 PM