The Big Three: Fighting back

The world can be a crazy place. Sometimes it helps to step back and list a few of the things you’re grateful for. I’m making it a habit each week to list three blessings. Here’s what I’m grateful for this week, October 5-11.

What I’m grateful for:

—Fighting the Big C. October has many special celebrations and days. You’ve got Octoberfest. A German festival with roots in Munich, featuring beer, food, and traditional festivities. There’s even a Harry Potter Book Day where fans host parties and celebrations to mark the iconic book series. I’m thinking of another celebration closer to many of our hearts. International Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually throughout October to raise awareness about the disease, promote early detection, support those affected, and advocate for global research and care. Here’s to the woman (and men) in our lives fighting and overcoming this horrible disease. I’m grateful for their grit and determination and pray for their healing and good health!

—Celebration. Like the Kool and the Gang song goes “Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate).” Celebrate the successes of others. Yes, sometimes the green-eyed monster — jealousy and envy — can come out and get the best of us. We wonder about us. Why didn’t I win the award? What about the job I’ve been doing? But, like a teacher once lectured my class, when we celebrate others, good things happen to us too. God, Fate, Karma, whatever you want to call it, sees us being a good friend and brings good things our way too. And, it’s just a nice thing to do. At least, that’s my belief and I’m sticking to it. So get out there and celebrate!

—Turning into a pumpkin. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on Monday. Like in the U.S., the traditional meal usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. We have a few more weeks until Thanksgiving in the U.S., but I’m definitely ready for all of those things — especially the pumpkin pie. Maybe we could throw in some whipped cream too!

What gave me a smile?

Bobby McFerrin, Robin Williams and Bill Irwin. Not much else to say, but “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

Images from Pexels.