BRAIN GAMES
This month we encourage you to take a few minutes each day to write down or share with someone the gifts we have been given. Gratitude activates our brain to produce “dopamine,” our brain’s pleasure chemical. Consider the following questions and prompts to help you discover your gratitude: What is one random act of kindness you have experienced in the last few months?
Describe your favorite moment of today.
Think of your favorite person and write down three of their best qualities. What is one thing in your home that is a treasure to you? Why do you value it?
SOLUTION
Where is your favorite place to visit? Describe it in detail.
What are you most excited for in the next month?
A Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving
Allow me to set the scene: A middle-aged woman carefully places a turkey on the table where a beautiful feast is already prepared. A kind gentleman looks over her shoulder in awe of the spread before them. There is a handful of guests that sit around the table, exuding joy and love for one another as they celebrate a meal together. This description is of a famous Norman Rockwell painting lovingly called “Thanksgiving Dinner” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas” by fans of the work. Not only is the painting a technical masterpiece, but it is also a cultural touchstone and has been used for decades to depict the ideal holiday scene for American families. These past couple of years have been difficult and challenging for many families and may not have been the ideal holiday scene. Several things can cause contention surrounding the holidays such as differing worldviews, not living near family, or a loss of a loved one. There are no words to
ease the pain of this loss and the resulting grief you and your family may experience. I know for me and my family, this will be true this holiday season. We invite you to ask yourself this question: What would it look like to find love and fulfillment this holiday season, no matter your circumstance? Because what you seek, you will find. The official title of the Norman Rockwell painting is “Freedom from Want,” and he painted it during the height of World War II. Despite its picture-perfect appearance, Rockwell created the piece with the intention of reminding the American people of the love and community we share, even amid tragedy and hardship. Whatever difficult circumstances you are facing this year, we want you to know that you are like family to us, and we want you to experience freedom, fulfillment, and love this holiday season and every season. May your holidays be filled with love and joy this year!
2 | 818-369-7900
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator