Forget The Roses…

Everyone should make time in their lives to walk through a park on a cool, crisp autumn day.  It’s truly a sight to behold–colors of gold and green and red and brown; everyone slightly bundled, with a crisp chill in the air so as to keep you bundled; leaves rustling; laughter; hand holding–to me it’s a sight as magical as the holidays.

I think perhaps that is why I love autumn so.  Well, that and also because I grew up in Texas and you never truly get a proper autumn in Texas.  You never really get a proper anything except summer.

I mean, how amazing does this look?

And I know, I know I am very fortunate that the park I usually choose to walk through is Central Park (I’m a bit spoiled that way), but the park near my house where I walk the pupcicle is no less gorgeous or less serene. Of course, if you live out of the city (or in a city not as compact and cramped as NYC), you might find the back porch or a town square just as magical.

The magic, I think, comes from the sense of serenity and peace and a momentary escape from the harshness that can be reality.  I think it’s why I prefer Thanksgiving to Christmas.

GASP! you say.  But it’s true.  For me, the focus has always been on family, friends and food.  Gifts are great, but they also add a lot more stress to the equation.  Of course, I’ve never had a white Christmas.  That might swing the vote the other way…at least for that year because I truly LOOOOOVE snow (you know, when I don’t have to get out and drive in it or worry about how I’m getting to and from work).

Thanksgiving allows us to focus on being thankful and happy for what we have.  Sheryl Crow sings “it’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”  And it’s true.  I know I’m guilty of focusing on the what ifs.  Generally speaking, we tend to get so caught up in what we think we should have that we tend to forget what we already have.  Where would we all be if we spent more time appreciating and less time worrying?

So as you’re prepping for the week countdown to Turkey Day (gobble, gobble) and, realistically, the rest of the year, what are you thankful for?