ELLOPIA PRESS NY -MARIA PAPAPETROS

 NOVEMBER (2014) A MONTH TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS

By Maria Papapetros

Here we are again getting ready to stuff the turkey and ourselves in the process. I went grocery shopping with my friend Athina the other day; the buzzing at COSTCO was overwhelming, everybody flooding the well-stocked shelves at the same time, as if there was going to be a shortage on cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pies.

We rushed home, and after putting the groceries away, I parked myself on the top of my bed with a plate of food to catch the six o’clock news.

Ebola was the first bit of the report; a single word so laden with worry, fear and helplessness, that it was enough to dampen, not only my holiday mood but also the vibration of my spirit. I took to my journal downloading feelings and fears evoked within me, I prayed for my wellbeing and safety and went to sleep.

Part of my daily routine is reading the NY post. More bad news at first glance; A radicalized terrorist “The lone wolf” had shut a man to death in Ottawa Canada, next to the university my female Godchild is attending. I got a feeling despair and sought refuge in my journal again.

As I read the entry of the previous night, I felt shame permeating my entire being, for my ungodly feelings toward God and my selfishness. I meditated and changed the direction of my written thoughts immediately; this was not only about my fears and me, it was about a more vast issue and needed heavy-duty prayers and positive thinking.

I have been reading as much as I can about Ebola since then, and praying for all of us, especially the people in Africa and all the health professionals of the world. I read a few scenarios about the virus, and the possibility that it was a man-made element. Of course I cannot rap my mind around that, however I will share the conclusion I have drawn of all this.

Yes, anything is possible and definitely we should be aware and well informed of what is going on in the world, awareness and knowledge are powerful allies.

Back to my journal now.

What is needed here is action, I found myself writing, and a voice in my head started dictating; do not invite fear, anxiety and panic in your experience, being realistic is being positive, and reality is what is right now, counteract it by counting your blessings and giving thanks for them, an empowering exercise. What an amazing opportunity we have to create miracles now, having so much thanksgiving vibe in the air, lets take advantage of it.

The last Thursday of November is not just about thanking God for the gravy and the apple pie on the table; it is about giving heart felt Thanks for all your blessings. If you have a situation not to your liking ask; what is this telling me, what is the lesson here? You will find the answers in thanksgiving. Maybe we have taken a lot of great blessings for granted, such as the sunrise, the power of our eyesight, the clarity of our minds, the ability to use all our senses and faculties, and the fact that we were gifted with one more day every morning. There is so much to be thankful for. START COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, it works, it will turn the “ΟΝ” switch in your mind, and restore faith and hope. Light disperses darkness; let it illuminate the dark corners of your mind. You are a winner and remember, counting blessings instead of sheep will get you a great night sleep.

Thank you for reading, and have a great Thanksgivings Day!

More from Maria Papapetros at www.mpapapetros.com