On Thanksgiving, we have a family tradition of sitting around the table, sharing stories of what we are grateful for. This year, that tradition got mixed up a little bit and we ended up on the back porch as the sun set, sharing stories. . . and passing a tomahawk. I have no idea how that originated, but I love it.
I love that the tomahawk is such a tangible reminder of the beautiful Native American people who owned this land before we came and that we owe them our honor and gratitude today.
Legend has it that Uncle Ryan made this specific tomahawk when he was a little boy and it’s survived all these years, only to resurface this week for Thanksgiving. How cool is that? We put it to good use by deciding that whoever had ‘the floor’ would need to hold the tomahawk. As I’m sure you can imagine, the tomahawk was waved in laughter and clinched in tears, as new memories were made last night.
The passing of the tomahawk symbolized many things.
Hearts poured out in thankfulness. Courageous stories of life and miracles. Gut-wrenching words of letting go, love, and hope.
That tomahawk touched them all.
I hope we decide to carry on the tradition. But even if we don’t hold onto the physical tomahawk, our experience will remain. Our hearts will remain connected, encouraged, inspired, and more deeply grateful than when we began.
That’s the whole point of Thanksgiving anyway.
As you enter into this long weekend, focus on the experiences you’re creating with the ones you love. Connect, really connect, with each other go deeper than the food and the shopping. Encourage with your words and your actions, you have no idea how much they might be needed. Inspire others with stories of hope.
Even while you’re shopping, cleaning, or decorating today, keep cultivating gratitude.
Connection: It’s the path to joy.
(and maybe consider picking up a Thanksgiving Tomahawk while you’re at it!)
to more Love,
Crystal
