This might sound strange, but the things that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving are the things that I have left behind.
This past year for me has been a year of change, letting go and personal growth.
I have let go of so much more than material objects, although I filled my porch with boxes and bags for the trash or the yard sale when I emptied and sold a ten room house.
I let go of three closets and three bureaus filled with clothes.
I let go of trying to earn love. Love is only valuable when it is freely given.
I let go of expecting people to be someone they are not, rejecting the unacceptable behavior and accepting the good. Yes, I let go of my happy-ever-after fantasies, so that I could enjoy today.
I let go of worry about my future and while I still plan, I am only living in today.
I let go of my old habit of saying yes, when I wanted to say no, and I don’t do things I don’t want to do anymore.
I let go of the guilt and the shame and the anger I have always carried over my mistakes and other’s mistakes because I have carried that negativity long enough. Those emotions were so heavy.
I let go of shopping to fill a void.
I let go of cooking unless the mood hits me.
I let go of thousands of books, and I never dreamed that I could get rid of my books.
I let go of owning my own flower garden. Now, I enjoy other people’s flowers.
I am even learning to let go of trying to hold back time.
So, I am thankful for the feelings and possessions I no longer carry and the huge house I no longer have to clean. This feels like freedom to me.
My five-year-old granddaughter explained to her dad, “Grammy wears a disguise because she is not really a Grammy, she is a kid. She plays like me.”
What more could I ask for, than to be told that I have the spirit of a child?
So, the things that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving are the things that I have left behind.
Women Who Think Too Much by Jeanne Marie 
This is the most wonderful post. I feel letting go makes space for renewal, even if not voluntary. Thank you for following BrewNSpew.
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Thank you…love your blog. Followed before, but keep losing my follows.
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So do I and it’s frustrating!
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Yes, it is frustrating!
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Do you have some things you need to leave behind? Come See.
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Thank you so much for the reblog. ❤ Love your comment! JM
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Always a pleasure sharing great writing and words that need to be heard!!
xoxo
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Thank you, again! Hugs. JM
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I so, love this, My Dear! Wow! Awesome post! As I read down each line I was imagining you describing to us in words the feelings of a butterfly as it slowly emerges from it’s chrysalis and lets it’s wings try before learning to fly. Wonderful know that butterfly is YOU!! Bellissimo!!!
xoxo 😊💖🌹
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WOW. WOW. Thank you for seeing things in my words that I miss sometimes. That’s why writers need other writers. You are awesome, hugs…JM
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This hits so close to home that I feel I could have written it myself…except that I still miss some of the things I left behind as it wasn’t all voluntarily done. I am still learning what is valuable and what isn’t. It’s part of the journey, I suppose. Thank you.
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Thank you for reading me…I miss a few things, mostly my gardens. Or something like an old pair of jeans I haven’t worn for 20 years. It was voluntary and that helps. I couldn’t bear to be weighed down by possessions or dysfunctional relationships anymore. I have gone from 2000 square feet to 330. My home has wheels and I am happy. Happy Thanksgiving…hugs. JM
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Wow, I love everything about this. I could feel the weight being lifted off as you wrote. I was thinking last night as I tried to find room in my closet for new clothes that I know why you did what you did and I’m so proud of you for being brave. No matter what anyone said you had to be free of this life you built that didn’t fit anymore. Such a beautiful feeling. When I think of you traveling and seeing this beautiful world in a new way it makes me happy for you. ❤ I love you my friend. xoxo
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Thank you MM. Yes, I have lost a million pounds and it feels so good. It’s been a rough year, but God has used it to teach me and free me. Amen. I love you!
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AWW I love you too! xoxo
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💖💖💖
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I so get this, Jeanne Marie. here’s to you and those you love. onward –
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Thank you Beth. It’s an adventure for sure. Hugs…
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Sounds like you have accomplished a lot this year! You should be proud. Gosh if I could just clean out one closer I’d be ecstatic!
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Yes, it’s been an incredible year and I love my little trailer home. This little home on wheels motivated me like never before to shed material things. Thank you for coming by! JM
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Cool! Yes the new trend is “micro houses” very popular in places like Austin with millinials. They’re great looking super efficient but only like 800 SF. I know many who love the idea. As for me, I have way too much furniture which I’m emotionally attached to so that ain’t gonna work! Lol
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Wow! This is incredibly beautiful. I wish you well on your journey. I too am leaving things behind, but it is a time of opportunity. How wonderful that you can be as a child. What betrer way to be? I too am a big kid at heart. Much love to you. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Happy Thanksgiving to you! Thank you…I want to let go of what doesn’t matter to make room for what does. Hugs to you, Jeanne Marie
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Bless you Jeanne Marie. It’s a journey isn’t it. Hugs back
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Yes, it’s quite a journey.
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I Love what your Granddaughter said. I am inspired by your letting go. Its sounds wonderful.
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Yes, she touched my heart. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving.
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And to you. yes, I would have cried. that is so great.
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It was awesome…such blessings from the littlest ones.
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