It’s blessings season, y’all!
November is my favorite month! It’s my birthday month, the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving in all its forms, and it’s finally fall in Texas. November is a beautiful time.
But what if, in your life, it’s not all sunshine and beautiful fall leaves? What if you are struggling with physical or emotional health, unrest in the world, or a relationship issue? What if you’re not really feeling all that happy and content? What if it’s not your favorite time?
That’s okay.
Life is a 50/50 experience, and it’s all part of your story.
When I am down and things are hard, that’s my first step. “It’s all good,” even when it’s not.
When I hurt, I can be grateful for the support I have. When I am misjudged or falsely accused, I can be grateful for the strength to remember that someone else’s opinion does not define me. It is a tremendous gift to know our value and worth.
When there doesn’t seem to be enough time, money, love, or abundance to go around, I can find peace in what I have in this moment.
Notice what is already here.
One of my favorites is gratitude for breath.
If we can take a nice, deep breath, we can help calm our nervous system, breathe out carbon dioxide for the plants, and continue with the work of the day.
My breath brings me back to my Creator and to my purpose. It sustains me, and it goes everywhere I do.
Notice what is already here for you.
Look around the room. What is here for you?
I begin by noticing a ceiling and a roof that shelter me from the storms outside, and walls that keep me safe from wind, rain, and other Texas critters that live here in the country.
What else is there?
My favorite 1983 rocking chair, which I bought used from a grandma who was nearly finished with it herself. Good juju in that chair!
My feet in front of my chair—feet that have carried me literally thousands of miles and rocked babies on innumerable nights as we paced the floor together.
Notice what is already here.
This incredible word-processing machine on which I write, and the programs and technology that bring these words to you.
Miraculous!
You get the gist.
As we begin November, the month traditionally set aside for gratitude, maybe we can put down our wants for a moment and focus instead on the incredible goodness that is already here.
The happy eyes of a child or coworker. The ability we have to bring happiness to someone else through our kindness. The simple gift of a smile.
We are blessed by a benevolent Creator who supports us in every circumstance.
Let’s notice what is already here for us this month.
Count ’dem blessings, y’all!
Practicing gratitude can help reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and improve our overall disposition.
It might even make you look better! After all, gratitude has a way of bringing a smile to our faces.
Have a beautiful week noticing what is already here for you.
Creator-based® Tools
This week, try one of these practices:
- Care for three things: Choose three things you already own. Give them deliberate care and appreciation over the week, then write what you noticed.
- Make two honest lists: Write “Support I have” and “Support I need.” Put something true under each, without using gratitude to dismiss a real need.
- Thank with detail: Thank one person for a specific contribution. Tell them what you appreciated without asking for anything in return.
- Share a word of appreciation with someone who has helped you.
All my love,
