From the mind of critic: “If we create our own realities by learning or not learning from life’s experiences, how do we prepare our mind, body and soul for the best possible experiences? Do we open up to everyone and everything by looking outward, deleting the words no and can’t from our vocabulary? Do we close up to everyone and everything by looking inward, deleting the words yes and can from our vocabulary? Do we find a happy medium where we’re open but have a filter, so we keep the good, lose the bad, and most importantly, learn lessons of what’s hapening in front of our face, so we can keep joy flowing through us, instead of hanging on so tightly to happy moments, that their inherent definition changes? On this day of giving thanks, may we remember the true history and context of the 4th Thursday in November, by feeling immense gratitude. Not because we’re taking pleasure in others misery and despair, but because we’re thankful for what we have. Things can always be better, but they can always be worse. When we strive to bring ourselves joy specifically to bring others joy, we finally understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Our realities vis-a-vie our perceptions change for the better, when lessons are learned and adversity is overcome. Staying open means building ourselves up, not tearing ourselves down.” 🙂