An Attitude of Gratitude

"Have compassion for everyone you meet, even if they don't want it. What appears bad manners, an ill temper or cynicism is always a sign of things no ears have heard, no eyes have seen. You do not know what wars are going on down there where the spirit meets the bone." - Miller Williams


This is a picture of me with my best friend Laura circa 1997-ish.  We've been friends since we were 6 years old and have shared a whole lot of history...but that doesn't mean she still doesn't amaze me all the time :)

Today, she posted on facebook that because she was thankful for so many things, she was going to do an act of kindness from November 1 to Thanksgiving (see why she's my bestie??)

What an amazing idea, friends, and what a remarkable and thoughtful way to appreciate this time of year.  Instead of worrying about finances, being bombarded with holiday commercialism or stressing out about what to buy for that second uncle two times removed, change your perpective and focus on what is already wonderful and beautiful about your life by sharing your gratitude with others.

You can do this in so many ways, large or small. 

• Smile.  
• Send a thoughtful card to someone who brings joy to your life letting them know how much they mean.  
• Bake cookies and deliver them to your neighbors.  
• Thank that helpful customer service person and be sure to let their manager know.
• Surprise your significant other with a special dinner, or a date night.
• Hug your kids and tell them they mean the world to you.
• Donate to a worthy cause anonymously
• Give your time to help out an elderly neighbor, or to volunteer at a local nursing home or hospital
• Be kind..especially when you don't feel like it.  Remember that the person who is giving  you a hard time may be suffering.  Give them the benefit of the doubt.
• Have a food or clothing drive.  
• Be silly, laugh.  Repeat.

These are only a few of the ways you can share gratitude..and the best part is that it not only makes the people you are kind to feel good, it makes you feel good too ;)

Today, I am grateful for my best friend and how she makes me a better person, and I'm showing it by sharing a small part of her amazing-ness with all of you <3

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Bringing Back the Turkey

I feel like Thanksgiving gets neglected in the pantheon of holidays (probably because it's hard to commercialize.)  Strolling through Target yesterday, I saw clearance Halloween items adjacent to Christmas decorations with nary a nod to Thanksgiving in sight.  It seems like the day after Halloween begins a candy fueled mad dash towards Christmas.  And really, thanksgiving is such a marvelous concept.  Pausing to give thanks for all the wonderful things we have to be grateful for, celebrating the good things in our life, yummy food and family..what could be better?

I've considered this in past years, but then have to admit to getting caught up in the making of Christmas gifts and the excitement of christmas specials on TV and making Christmas lists with my children.  I'd like this year to be different.  I plan to start a few new traditions with my family specifically for giving thanks.

• I plan to do some baking and craft making with my girls for the folks in the nursing home we visit.  Just some random surprise gifts to brighten their day.
• I am also going to make turkeys with the girls, one for each family member,  and have them write something they are thankful for on each of the turkey's tail feathers.
• I will send thank you cards to the people who make my life better, drop little unexpected treats off with them, or call them and let them know just how much they mean.
• Here on the blog, I will do a few Thanksgiving themed Home Ec posts.  (A great stuffing recipe comes to mind!) and perhaps an etiquette post on how to properly write a thank you note..or maybe a tutorial on making your own thank you cards.

So, those are my thoughts..what are yours?  How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

Hugs and Smooches,

D