Everyone needs a nudge from time to time

Prior to the Thanksgiving holidays, I was in a rut. I was not looking forward for social meetings. To me, Thanksgiving marks the start of social gatherings and ends after new year day. Either I stay home alone or ensure I have some plan for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year eve. I typically choose the latter as one should not be alone during the holiday season.

Since I was in lousy mood, everything appeared difficult and dull. I had decided that I will not make plans this holiday. I have convinced myself that I am very much deprived from the much needed time alone.  I will just stay home, relax, read and watch movies on NetFlix.

I am glad that I snapped out of this antisocial behavior on the Monday of the Thanksgiving week. I came across a video on TEDtalk and the presenter quoted Keith Johnstone. The Theatresports founder Keith Johnstone says that people who block offers are rewarded by the safety they attain, while people who accept offers are rewarded by the adventures they enjoy. This is a good philosophy especially during my antisocial state of mind.

I decided there and then that I will go with the flow this holiday. I accepted a friend's invitation that came in over the weekend for a pre-thankgiving dinner on Wednesday and was forwarded a Thanksgiving lunch invitation from a common friend who does not want me to spend the holiday alone.

At the pre-Thanksgiving dinner,  I had a discussion about Brisbane, Australia and this individual is planning to visit his family there in December. I told him about FairField, Garden Point Campus, Kangaroo Point, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. It brought back fond memories of my varsity days down under.

The theme of the Thanksgiving lunch is "United Nations Thanksgiving Dinner for Orphans" where there are representation from India, Russia, Malaysia, Boston and The Dakotas. It was a pleasant gathering with good food and wonderful people. The host would like everyone to share what we are thankful about. I am thankful for all the good journalism in the New York Times which inspire and invigorate me.

The host talked about her experience with Boudoir Photography and how it helped rebuild her self-confidence and self-esteem. Boudoir means a woman's private sitting room , dressing room or bedroom.
I think one can infer that boudoir photography is images of a woman in sexy lingerie at a private room setting.  It was entertaining listening to her as she described the processes and demonstrated the poses for us.  I am glad this experience of hers brought her joy and restored her self confidence.

Everyone needs a nudge from time to time. I am glad I woke up in time for a good Thanksgiving. It definitely trumps staying home alone with the tele.