Black Friday Puts Me in a Black Mood

This past week was Thanksgiving in the US. I have to say I miss the big family dinner in November. I remember going to my Grandma’s house, and my aunt and cousin would be there. And always so much wonderful food! I miss that.

This year, though, I didn’t hear much about Thanksgiving. Mostly I was hearing about “Black Friday”. It was everywhere – on the radio, on social media, in my email. I really got tired of hearing about it. It is such a huge contradiction to the holiday the day before.

Here’s a holiday that is supposed to be about gratitude for all the things we have and spending time with family. Then the very next day, or in some cases, the very same day, going out and buying lots of stuff because we obviously don’t have enough.

I know this has been going on for years, I just don’t remember hearing SO much about it in the past. Maybe I was just better at tuning it out before. Or maybe the desperation of retailers encouraging us to consume more was deafening this year.

Don’t get me wrong. I like my stuff. I’m quite attached to my cell phone, aka pocket computer. I like having lots of clothes to choose from. And I’m starting to get quite a collection of goddess statues. And if you are one of those who went out to get great deals this weekend, that’s OK. It’s your choice.

The blatant, loud, repeated message to “BUY MORE!” got on my nerves though. I’m very conscious that the next consumer holiday is coming up quickly, thank you. I’m also very aware that I have two birthdays in my immediate family in the next month. I don’t need it hammered into my every waking moment.

OK, rant over. Time to refocus. Deep breath. Ground and center. Gratitude. Yes. That’s a much higher vibration.

meditation love gratitudeI’m grateful for my amazing supportive husband – I can’t say that enough. I’m grateful for my children, my extended family, and my family of choice. I’m grateful for my spiritual community, and opportunities to learn and grow. I’m grateful for my friends. I’m grateful for my home, and the warmth of the fire, and a full belly. I am so blessed with abundance all around me.

I am grateful that I have the choice to re-focus my attention where I want it to be, and not where someone else tells me it should be.

I feel so much better now!

What are you grateful for?

Blessings,

Mary

PS. There’s a contest going on at this post over here. Make sure you get your entry in by leaving a comment!

1 thought on “Black Friday Puts Me in a Black Mood”

  1. Thank you for this post Mary, I heartily agree with what you’ve said. Too many people are still caught up in material possessions and being gullible consumers, but as you rightly stated, that is their choice.

    Each day for me, I am thankful for so much, not just at this time of the year. I’m thankful for a wonderful family, amazing friends, my career, home, and my path. I can never state enough how thankful I am to have come home under the loving guidance of the God and Goddess and to have connected with such a wonderful and supportive community. I am also thankful for the power of nature and our Earth Mother and those that make it their mission to heal and nurture this wonderful planet of ours!

    Namaste <3

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