Dear Readers,

For all the people in North America, I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving Day.

In the community where I grew up, we had two holidays that were closely connected: Prayer Day in the spring and Thanksgiving in the fall.

In the spring, we prayed for a good growing season, for our health, our work, our families, and for our government. In the fall, we gave thanks, not only for all the good things we had received, but also for the patience and perseverance we were given during times when life didn’t go as we had hoped.

When Nadia, the main character in my book Hitchhiker, stays in a homeless shelter in Victoria, she shares a Thanksgiving meal with her fellow residents. Here’s the scene from the book where they gather around the table and express their thanks.

œšAt the same time, in early October, as the homeless people struggled with their collective situation, the stores prepared for Thanksgiving. Large orange pumpkins were harvested from the land, offered for sale, and displayed in stores in square cardboard boxes that reached my waist. The smell of freshly baked pumpkin pies filled the streets, and frozen turkeys sold for a dollar per pound.

In the shelter, a special dinner was served. The atmosphere among the attendees was harmonious. The turkey was more tender than I remembered from the year before. Additionally, the cranberry sauce and stuffing tasted better. With the carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, and corn, my plate became a vibrant display of colors. I feasted on this delicious food, thankful I didn’t have to cook it entirely by myself this year.

A volunteer from the shelter took the mic during the dinner. “Please take a couple of minutes to think about what you’re thankful for and then tell the people at your table,” he said. “I myself am grateful we have so many guests tonight who came for the Thanksgiving dinner.”

For a moment, it was quiet at my table. We looked at each other, curious to see who would speak first.

“I’ll start,” Amy said finally, sitting up a bit straighter. “I’m not thankful for the bad weather of the last few weeks,” she began, and the others around the table mumbled in agreement. “But,” she continued, “I am grateful for Tristan and Isolde and that you guys,” she looked around the circle, “are my friends.”

Again, approving mumbling followed.

The others said that they were happy with the shelter and thankful for their health. Jaxsen announced he had become a grandfather a couple of weeks ago. Then it was my turn. I, too, was grateful for the shelter and the volunteers, for my new friends, and for my health.

“I’m especially happy I dared to take the step to another life,” I said.

There was a brief silence, and five pairs of eyes stared at me. I sensed them thinking: if she’s thankful for this life, then the life she had before must have been even worse.

Jaxsen broke the uncomfortable silence and raised his glass. “To everyone who’s thankful for the little things in life. Because,” he continued, “happiness doesn’t make you thankful, but thankfulness makes you happy.”

We clinked our coffee cups and lemonade glasses together to toast that proclamation.

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šœOver the past few months, I’ve been helping my friend Cheryl Howard publish her book Get Your Health in Order. After reading through the book several times, I couldn’t help but agree with what Francine Hamp wrote on the back cover:

When I read this book, I was struck by the fact that there is something useful in these pages for everyone! Whether you are already leading a healthy lifestyle or you are just beginning to learn about healthy living, you will find encouragement and insight applicable to your personal health situation. This book provides the building blocks for being in control of your own health, being proactive at prevention, and being free from dependence on the system. The practical tips and resources are compiled from a wealth of Cheryl’s own personal experiences and the wisdom she has gleaned from the experiences and research of many others like her, who have made their health a priority. Cheryl’s holistic – body, soul, mind, and spirit – approach to health is life-giving and will easily connect to wherever you are at in your journey. You will be wiser, stronger, and inspired after reading this book.

Are you curious about Cheryl’s new book?
Follow this link and get your copy today!

If you know Cheryl Howard personally, reach out to her — she’s offering a special discounted price for the first 200 readers. After that, the price will go up, so don’t wait too long. Be among the first to get your copy of Get Your Health in Order!

šœAll the links together: