Moving with Gratitude

A shop owner was sorting through her Thanksgiving wares at the heart of a thriving town.  A breathless woman nearly ran up to her booth, jostling her table filled with fresh turkeys, and began a conversation,

“Hello, I’m relocating to this area at the very worst time – during the holidays.  I’m exhausted and just have no time to make a big Thanksgiving meal, but feel I must.”

The shop owner took a deep breath in, smiled softly, and nodded understandingly.

“I would feel better if I could know a little bit about the people in this town. I can not stop worrying about whether or not I will fit in. What are they like?”

The shop owner asked, “Well, let me ask you a question, what were the people like in the town that you moved from?”

With a sigh, the woman answered, “They were always rushing around, too busy to get to know me or my family very well.  I always felt like they didn’t have time to even stop for a cup of coffee.”

“Hmmm…that’s interesting,” said the shop owner.  I believe you will find the people in this town to be exactly the same way.

The woman walked away with slumped shoulders and a dejected look on her face…..not even taking a moment to wish the shop owner a Happy Thanksgiving.

A while later, another woman slowly approached the shop owners booth, with a broad smile and warm eyes.  After greeting her, she shared that she was brand new to the area, and just wanted to get a sense of the town.

“I’m wondering what the people are like in this town,” she asked.  "I can’t wait to make new friends and connections. Can you tell me a little bit about them?”

“Well, first tell me, what were the people like in your previous town?” asked the shop owner.

With a look of happy nostalgia, the woman replied,  “ Oh they were simply wonderful!  Always willing to help, listen when you needed to be heard and truly great people.”

The shop owner told her that she would find the people in this town to be exactly the same.    And then she offered her a newcomers discount on a turkey of her choice.

Laughing, the woman said, “Oh thank you so much, but I’ve hired someone to cook us a lovely meal in our new home.  The first holiday dinner in a new house should be stress-free and full of love and connection.”