We are approaching one of my favorite times of the year. Here in the States, we celebrate Thanksgiving during this month, and I’m always swept away with feelings of overwhelming thankfulness and gratitude. While the holidays and Christmas are, without doubt, beautiful, joyous, merry and bright, the month of November is also symbolic of, what I consider, a great good: Thankfulness and gratitude. A few years ago, I created a printable gratitude journal and offered it free to new subscribers. I am linking that printable here if you would like to download it and print it to use at home this coming season. If you are not a subscriber, I would love to have you join our little community of readers, but either way, it is a free download just for you – no subscription required.
The little things…
This past season of life has been one of intense soul-searching. I’ve been thinking of all the years past, and all the years yet to come. This is our first year of holidays as true empty nesters, and to be truthful, it feels….well, odd. All the things we used to do, we continue to do. The stockings will still get hung, the movies will still get watched, but it feels like something is missing.
And while I recognize this as a normal part of life for people in our situation, it has still been a learning experience for me. Although, I must say, I am finding so much joy – rather thankfulness and gratitude – in so many small details of life; the morning sun streaming in the window leaving traces of shadow across the wall, a favorite jazz record playing softly while I prepare our evening dinner, or a fall floral arrangement I created out of whatever I could find in my storage tote.
The normal things…
I’m also finding myself smiling more at the normal things. We have a set of antique books that belongs to my husband. We’ve owned these books for years and while they move around the apartment on display, I’ve recently placed them on a very prominent shelf in our kitchen. I have found myself smiling at those books more than ever before. Maybe it’s because they are in a more visual location, but I think it’s more about the thankfulness and gratitude for them that I feel. They have special meaning, these books. They weren’t purchased at a flea market or tag sale; they weren’t thrifted. They actually each one have special meaning.
I’m finding joy in the little brass napkin rings we are using this season. We purchased them back in the summer from a small business that was closing due to retirement. They are especially beautiful to me, but they also symbolize a new chapter for the people who sold them. I think of them often as I straighten the table, and I hope they are enjoying this next phase of life.
Thankfulness and Gratitude…
I’ve made it my purpose these next few weeks to practice thankfulness and gratitude for ‘the little things.’ I think it’s easy to be grateful when big things happen, but we often overlook the little things that can so easily bring us joy.
I want to invite you to download the free printable journal – or simply keep a running list of the things this season that bring you joy. Practice a heart of thankfulness and gratitude and I’m sure you’ll find your cup overflowing with good things.
