Hello Lovely,
Can you believe it's already Thanksgiving?
Believe it or not, the holidays are upon us and I could not be more ready to surround myself with good food, great people, and hilarious conversations. Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite holidays, because it is a time where we all reflect on how thankful we are for the incredible things in our lives.
Every year, I long to keep this thankful spirit with me and I make an effort to carry it through the Christmas season and into the New Year. But if I am being completely honest, that sweet season of maintaining a grateful spirit does not last long.
As soon as I let go of the conscious effort to remain thankful, I tend to focus on my shortcomings and the things I wish were different. I'm sure you can relate to this too.
Even today, I have already focused too much time on what I don't have instead of being thankful for the numerous blessings in my life.
Now I can snap myself back into shape rather quickly, but it takes discipline.
Why is it so easy to complain, and dwell on the things that are not working so well that we wish were different?
Why do we look in the mirror and immediately focus on the not so great parts about us?
Why do we beat ourselves up for not being further in life, instead of praising the progress we have made?
Why are we so hard on ourselves for not being the perfect parent or the perfect wife? For not being a good friend or a faithful sister? For not keeping our house in picture perfect shape?
This list of "why's" could go on and on.
But the good news is that choosing thankfulness is the perfect antidote to all the discontentment that we harbor and the disappointment with life that is not perfect.
Today instead of sharing a story about my own life, I want to encourage you to give some extra time to reflecting on what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Take a minute now before you have to start basting your turkey and rolling out pie crust, and write out as many things as you can think of, especially focusing on what you are thankful for about yourself and your own journey over the last year.
Then I want to challenge you to go one step further and intentionally carry this thankful spirit in your heart for the rest of 2016 and even into the next year. I am challenging myself to do the same thing, so I will be walking right alongside you in holding onto a grateful heart. Put your list somewhere that you can see it, and add to it throughout this Thanksgiving week as you think of more things for which you are grateful.
Pretty soon we will start looking forward to the new year, and all that we wish to accomplish. Of course, there is nothing wrong with looking forward and making goals, but first take some time to throw yourself a party for the you that you have become! Celebrate all that you have accomplished! You are doing the best that you can, and that is enough to be proud of. As a Life Coach, one thing I stress for people who are desiring change is to begin with gratitude for where you currently are. The journey to your goal is so much more enjoyable if you begin with grace for yourself instead of feelings of disgust and frustration. Doesn’t it make sense that we move forward with hope when we start from a more positive place?
So my friends, this Thanksgiving I hope that you eat without counting calories, laugh till you cry, and toast to how awesome and blessed you truly are! Can you promise me that you will?
Until next time my friends,
XOXO
Tiffany