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Hi Everyone,
With Thanksgiving upon us, we hope you find time
amidst the bustle in the kitchen and your annual
football/movie viewing, holiday shopping marathon, or
whatever it is you do over the long weekend, to
reflect on your life and the people and creatures
whose presence and love give meaning to it. As this
month’s feature article suggests, being thankful for
our blessings is something we all benefit from
year-round, not just on the fourth Thursday of
November.
Thanksgiving may bring moments of
discomfort or sadness. Family gatherings can be
trying experiences for some Deaf people, who may
feel left out or ignored by hearing family members
who do not sign or make an effort to communicate at
the dinner table. If hiring an interpreter for a few
hours is not feasible, bringing along a Deaf friend or
two is an almost sure-fire way to liven things up and
lessen the black sheep feeling. It can also be an
opportunity to brighten someone’s day – far more
people than you might realize spend Thanksgiving
alone.
Because Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for
those with eating disorders, we’ve included an article
with tips for easing the holiday stress when food is
an issue. Although the article focuses on women
with eating disorders, it applies equally to men as
well. People who have trouble managing their alcohol
intake may also find many suggestions relevant.
Memories related to grief and loss can be especially
poignant this time of year. The article on coping
with grief during the holidays reminds us to be gentle
with ourselves and do what feels right when sorrow
touches us.
In this season of gratitude, sharing, and kinship, we
extend warm wishes to you and your family.
All our best,
Candace and Sharon
| Thought of the Month |
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As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
— John Fitzgerald Kennedy
To Live This Thought:
Actions speak louder than words. Don't just tell your
friends and family how much you appreciate and love
them. Show them your feelings by spending time
with them. Play a board game with your child or
surprise your partner by washing the Thanksgiving
dishes.
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| Twelve Ideas to Help Women with Eating Disorders Negotiate Thanksgiving and Christmas |
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For most people, the Thanksgiving and Christmas
holiday season is a wonderful time of year. It is often
a time of family reunion and celebration, when
families, friends, and co-workers come together to
share good will and good food. The season is to be
bright, happy, and full of the best parts of
relationships. Yet, for women who suffer with eating
disorders, this is the worst time of the year. For
these people, trapped in the private hell of anorexia
or severe bulimia, Thanksgiving and Christmas
magnify all of their personal demons, causing them
great internal pain and turmoil.
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| Grief and the Holidays |
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A question commonly asked by bereaved people at
this time of year is, "How can I get through the
holidays?" There is no single answer. One important
guiding principle is: do what is comfortable. This
advice comes from Hospice Foundation of America, a
non-profit organization educating the public about
loss and end-of-life care.
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Thanksgiving 365 Days a Year |
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While some people count blessings more readily than
others, there are many ways to practice gratitude—
and experience its rewards.
Find out more....
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