Finding Thanks in the Journey: The Impossible Dream and the Power of Who You Are
Finding Thanks in the Journey: The Impossible Dream and the Power of Who You Are
As we step into the month of Thanksgiving, it’s a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received, the strength we’ve discovered within ourselves, and the dreams that have kept us going. There’s a song that captures much of this sentiment, “The Impossible Dream.” You may have heard it before—it speaks of striving for something greater, even when the odds feel impossible. It talks about fighting for what’s right, no matter the struggle, and pushing through when the world seems too heavy to bear.
When I listen to this song, I think about all of us—survivors, dreamers, and those walking through life’s toughest seasons. It’s easy to forget the strength we hold inside, especially when we’ve been through trauma or hardship. But when we pause, even for just a moment, we can see how far we’ve come. It’s important to take a step back and give thanks for the courage we didn’t even know we had. Every step of your journey, every challenge you’ve faced, and every dream you’ve kept alive is something worth appreciating.
Mindfulness and Gratitude in the Journey
Thanksgiving is a time when we focus on the things we’re grateful for, but it’s also an opportunity to practice mindfulness—being present and acknowledging the power of who we are, right here and now. Gratitude isn’t just about what we have; it’s about recognizing the strength we carry, even in moments of vulnerability. Mindfulness helps us to see ourselves with clear eyes, not defined by our pain but by our resilience, our heart, and our ability to keep moving forward.
So, what can we be thankful for this month?
Your strength – You’ve already shown immense courage in everything you’ve overcome. The path may not have been easy, but you’ve kept walking.
Your dreams – Just like in "The Impossible Dream," there’s power in holding onto your dreams, even when the world seems against you. Those dreams are not impossible. They are your light guiding you through tough times.
Who you are – You’ve built resilience, understanding, and compassion through your experiences. Every part of you, even the broken parts, have contributed to the beautiful person you are today.
Understanding the Power of Dreaming
Dreaming doesn’t have to be grandiose or unattainable. Sometimes, it’s simply the act of believing that there’s more ahead of you. It’s understanding that no matter where you are now, you have the power to shape your future. Your dreams, big or small, are part of the incredible journey that only you can take. In a month dedicated to giving thanks, remember to thank yourself for the dreams you hold—whether they’re dreams of peace, healing, connection, or new beginnings. Those dreams are alive within you, and they are worth nurturing.
Reflection for the Month
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on your journey. Think about the "impossible dreams" you’ve been chasing and the strength you’ve found along the way. There are moments in life when we feel like we’re walking through the storm, but even in those moments, we are still moving forward. Each challenge, each setback, and each victory, no matter how small, has contributed to who you are today.
As we move through this month, let's take time to give thanks not just for the good moments but also for the strength we’ve discovered in the hard ones. And let’s continue to dream, because as long as we have breath in our bodies, the impossible dream is never truly out of reach.
Kathe'rine