By: Overnight Publicity
Few threads are as powerful as gratitude. Dr. Linda Miles, a seasoned psychotherapist, shared with me a profound perspective on Thanksgiving that goes far beyond turkey dinners and family gatherings. Her insights, gleaned from unexpected places like cancer wards, remind us of the true essence of this holiday – and of life itself.
Imagine walking into a hospital room filled with terminal cancer patients, expecting to find despair, only to be greeted by vibrancy, humor, and compassion. This was Dr. Miles’ experience as a visiting psychotherapist. The scene she describes is both heart-wrenching and uplifting – a group of individuals facing life’s ultimate challenge, yet choosing to embrace each moment with gratitude and good humor.
One patient’s reaction to Dr. Miles’ white clothing stands out. Rather than focusing on her own struggle, this woman found joy in the unexpected, laughing about the contrast between Dr. Miles’ attire and the dark pins worn by patients marked for chemotherapy. This simple interaction exemplifies the power of acceptance and the ability to find lightness even in the darkest circumstances.
Dr. Miles draws parallels between these resilient patients and her childhood friend Lucy, who, despite battling stage four lung cancer, continues to radiate compassion for others. These individuals embody the philosophy that “it is not my pain, it is our pain; we all carry our own crosses.” Their ability to lead by example, practicing love and opening their hearts even in their darkest hours, offers profound lessons for us all.
From these experiences, Dr. Miles distills four key principles that resonate deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving:
- Gratitude: Building an emotional bank account through appreciation of life’s blessings, preparing us for inevitable challenges.
- Acceptance: Embracing reality without surrendering to despair, focusing energy on problem-solving rather than wishful thinking.
- Giving: The act of compassionate giving as a path to personal well-being, triggering positive neurochemical responses.
- Forgiveness: Letting go of anger to make room for healthier emotions and energy.
Dr. Miles emphasizes the importance of making each day count, recognizing the finite nature of time. She suggests starting each morning by identifying the day’s three most important personal priorities, a practice that ensures mindful living regardless of circumstances.
Perhaps most poignantly, Dr. Miles reminds us that the choice to seek joy and share light exists even in our darkest moments. This perspective transforms Thanksgiving from a once-a-year event into a daily practice of gratitude, a constant priming of our brains to seek out love and light.
As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, Dr. Miles’ insights invite us to look beyond the feast before us. They challenge us to find gratitude not just in abundance, but in adversity; to seek joy not despite our struggles, but because of them. Her experiences in the cancer ward and with her friend Lucy serve as powerful reminders that true thanksgiving isn’t about perfect circumstances, but about perfect appreciation for the life we have, in all its complexity.
Dr. Miles offers us more than just a new perspective on a holiday. She provides a blueprint for living – one that acknowledges life’s hardships while steadfastly choosing gratitude, compassion, and joy. It’s a reminder that every day offers us the opportunity to give thanks, to extend kindness, and to illuminate the world around us, no matter how dark it may seem.
Published by: Khy Talara
