I experienced a wonderful family gathering this past Thanksgiving. So many happy experiences including reuniting with extended family, delicious food, impromptu music, silliness, laughter, games, speed puzzling, off-roading, watching the snow fall in St. George Utah, photo shoot from filmmaker cousin.
Everything went so well!
It wasn’t until I got home, after the reunion had ended, that I started to question myself.
Do you know what tripped me up?
Tablecloths. Of all things!
I wanted to share my joy and post some pictures to social media to represent the good times. But suddenly the pictures of the folding tables with no tablecloths and no decorations glared out at me!
I started having thoughts of “What would others think?” “Would anyone think less of me for serving Thanksgiving dinner without the seasonal decor?”
Sounds silly right?
Yet, how many times do we undermine all the good we’ve done by focusing on something that was not perfect?
The lack of tablecloths didn’t bother me during the actual event. I was busy preparing the food and enjoying the company. But for some reason it bothered me when looking back.
Once I caught the direction of my thoughts, it didn’t take long to remind myself why I didn’t worry about the tablecloths in the first place.
I’ve discovered that I need to simplify or I get overwhelmed and stressed.
The more relaxed and comfortable I feel, the more relaxed and comfortable others are around me. To me, the comfortable feeling is more important than decor!
Remembering that reasoning allowed me to return to the feelings of gratitude and joy of the event.
I can appreciate the ability of others to provide a meal and have a beautiful presentation.
But it’s ok if that’s not my strength.
It’s ok if picture perfect doesn’t happen.
The happiness, the love and shared experiences were wonderful! Maybe it really was perfect after all!
Might we all benefit from not focusing on the one small thing that’s not perfect, and focus instead on the many things that are going right?
Much love,
Thanks Melanie! This was exactly what I needed as I head into my Christmas gatherings!
Thank you Marsha! I know, right?! I need to remind myself of this often! ?
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! ?