Learning to Hold my Plans Loosely

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I've spent the past two days in the kitchen, preparing family favorites for tomorrow's feast. I was looking forward to having my daughter and son-in-law here, as well as my father-in-law. A lake effect storm has changed all those plans. We are not going to be able to pick up my father-in-law who lives an hour away and my daughter and her husband changed their plans so they wouldn't have to drive in the height of the storm. They are headed further south to his parent's house instead.

I'm surprisingly okay with all of this. Of course, I'm disappointed, but I'm learning to hold my plans loosely. I put two of the pies in the freezer and will have a less hectic day tomorrow. 

In the past, I would have really had a hard time with all of this and would have felt quite dejected. However, there is nothing that can be done about it and I can spend tomorrow being sad about who isn't there and make the day miserable, or I can pivot and enjoy a quieter holiday.

I choose to pivot. I've spent the month talking about how to be thankful and I think holding onto our plans with a loose hand helps tremendously. Things happen that are beyond our control. We can either throw a fit or choose to adjust and still be thankful. 

Thanksgiving will be different, but it's still a day to give thanks. I choose gratitude. 

Comments

  1. Rebecca HissongNovember 26, 2025 at 11:11 PM

    Terri, I am so sorry that your plans needed to change. I remember in 2020 spending weeks getting everything ready for all the kids to come home for Thanksgiving, only to have to cancel because Roy came home from college with Covid (when it was first going around) and we didn't want anyone else getting sick . That Thanksgiving, I sat at my dining room table that should have been filled with two dozen people and all the chaos that comes from everyone being home and catching up. I wanted to cry. That was the year that you hosted Ryan for Thanksgiving and I was so very thankful and grateful that you and Dan included him. I am excited to return the favor and take care of Emily this year. ❤️ Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriNovember 27, 2025 at 7:36 AM

      I'm so thankful for you and Rick, Becky! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Delete
  2. AngelaNovember 27, 2025 at 2:45 AM

    Thanksgiving is a really big family event for you i know. But you have learned to " give thanks in all circumstances " and that makes all the difference when your plans have to change. I hope someone local will visit your FIL as he cannot be with you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriNovember 27, 2025 at 7:37 AM

      Thank you, Angela! I'm learning to be thankful even though it's not always easy. :-)

      Delete
  3. ElizabethdNovember 27, 2025 at 4:59 AM

    So sensible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriNovember 27, 2025 at 7:37 AM

      Thanks Barbara. I'm disappointed, but want everyone to stay safe.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousNovember 27, 2025 at 12:52 PM

    It is a different Thanksgiving. Frank is in a rehab facility and we expected to get Lake Effect snow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriNovember 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM

      I'm sorry to hear about Frank, Holly! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Miss you!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 27, 2025 at 7:03 PM

      Thank you! I miss you. I sent as anonymous. I didn’t intend to.

      Delete

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