Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns;
I am thankful that thorns have roses.
~Alphonse Karr
This time of year comes with a set of expectations for many. You're expected to list all the things you're thankful for, share a little extra kindness with others, spend quality time with your loved ones, and plan out your Black Friday strategies. However, you're truly blessed if you're one of those who know that these expectations aren't expectations at all. They're things that should be done on a daily basis (minus the Black Friday strategizing). True gratitude is appreciating all that God has bestowed upon you; both the good, and the not-so-good. I'm reminded every day of all the things I'm overwhelmingly grateful for--my loving family, my amazing friends, my incredible guy, the beauty of nature, all the luxuries of technology, as well as the trials I've gone through, and the challenges I face at the moment (like having to write about 30,000 more words in the next 9 days to finish my novel for NaNoWriMo in time--yes, I also bow down to you in gratitude). Trust me, I know that it's much more difficult to appreciate the not-so-good, because our initial instinct is to complain and dwell. But if you take the time to truly find the good in every situation, and live each day with a grateful heart, I guarantee that you'll find an inner peace that will allow you to live like it's Thanksgiving every day.
I wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!
P.S. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated to the Office of Letters and Light in support of NaNoWriMo. We deeply appreciate your kindness and generosity! If you didn't get a chance to make a donation, and would still like to contribute, here's a link to my fundraising page. Thank you!
