Thanksgiving: How do we come together when we're torn apart?

How do we come together on Thanksgiving, when we're a nation - a family torn apart.

This may be the most important Thanksgiving of our lives, just as this has been the most significant election in our lifetime. Usually, it's a day full of good food and cheer, where traditionally even family tensions get set aside, and football is the most passionate part of the day.

But this year is different. As we gather around the table across the nation, some of us will be feeling thankful. But even more of us will be feeling something very different - something on a scale from tentatively optimistic to completely freaked out. And many of us may get a little angry and righteous, especially if/when we bump into a little anger and self righteousness from Uncle Herman who voted for Trump, or cousin George who didn't vote, or your sister who voted third party? And for those who are OK with the outcome, how do you feel about the prospect of listening to your liberal relatives and their doom and gloom predictions? A lot of us are hoping we can avoid the trauma and drama by simply agreeing not to talk about it? Maybe that will work, maybe not. It's not like it won't be on anyone's mind. But, isn't there a missed opportunity in ignoring the elephants and donkeys in the room. If there ever was a time for dialogue, for understanding and for coming together, isn't this the time for it? When we're this torn apart as a nation, isn't the family the place to start healing our wounds. And, if we don't do it now, it may well get harder and harder. Contrary to popular belief, time doesn't heal all wounds. Most of them take careful, caring cleansing, tending and nurturing.

But how do we do this? How do we discuss our future without getting in an argument about the past, especially these past two weeks, this past year? How can we avoid fighting with those we don't agree with? What do we do with our differences? What do we do with our feelings? And, what do we want to accomplish? What are we willing to do?

We have a clear choice. If we want to stay mad, argue, further polarize and divide, we can do that, all too easily. The harder, saner, hopeful choice is to find a way forward that creates a possibility for us coming together and healing. We will be talking about these choices and the path to healing tomorrow night, Monday November 21, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Marina del Rey. Please bring your thoughts and your questions and join communications expert Greta Hassel, MFT, and high conflict mediation professional Dennis Cohen, Esq., for a thoughtful discussion and some grounded, practical tips for getting through Thanksgiving dinner without arguing, stuffing your emotions, or gagging on your principles.

Space is limited.
Please RSVP at http://www.settlementworks.com/thanksgiving-can-we-come-together.html

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