So here we are. It’s November again without fail. Like with so many other things, this year I am trying to refocus on the things that matter most. For me, November has always been my month to truly reflect on what I am thankful for. I know we all say that we are thankful for this or for that, but do we sit down and really think about it all?
This month I am breaking down the idea of being thankful. I have challenged myself to come up with one word for each letter of the word THANKFUL to really get my mind, body, and soul involved in being thankful.
So without further ado, I’m breaking down being thankful:
T – TIME
I think more than anything this year, I have seen why I should make the most of my time. Whether it’s time at work with the tiny preschoolers that I love nurturing or extra time at home with my family, time has become a very measurable entity this year. I know some may have felt like they have had too much time on their hands this year, but soon that will change and we will long for that quiet isolation that we all had this spring.
H – HEALTH
If this isn’t the year to be thankful for your health, I don’t know what is. I have not personally suffered from COVID-19, but I know several that have. I am exceptionally thankful that this dreadful virus has not made its way into my house or the homes of my extended family. I know that our health can change with the drop of a dime, so I am grateful mine has been on the better side of things. I am also thankful for knowing what health issues I do face and what I can do to stay as healthy as possible.
A – ADVENTURES
This year, I am thankful for adventures that my family has had in the past and hope to have in the future. With so much closed down, a family trip just didn’t seem responsible this year for our family. That’s not to say that others shouldn’t take that trip if given the opportunity. It just didn’t work for us. Luckily we have been able to look back at some of our adventures, both big and small, to get ideas for where we would like to take our next adventure.
N – NOW
Living in the present moment has never been more real than it is in 2020. So put that phone down, and take in the beauty that is around you. I am trying to remind myself that being present in the present truly is a present. So soak up what the world has to offer you in the here and now.
K – KINDNESS
As the great Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” I always remind myself that it costs me nothing to be kind to others and it could give them a greater gift than I may ever realize. So whether its opening a door for someone or doing something for a neighbor, being kind when at all possible. Another key point with kindness, I always try to acknowledge when someone has done something kind for me. Although true kindness is done without intent or recognition, it never hurts to let someone know you appreciate something they did for you.
F – FAMILY
As I have stated before, 2020 has brought a whole new meaning to family togetherness. Some may have felt the onset of cabin fever, while others took the opportunity to relish in the gift that was afforded to them through the pandemic. I venture to say that most people were on both sides of this fence at one time or another this year. I am thankful for each member of my family and what they bring to our family as a whole. Whether you like it or not, at the end of the day they are the ones that will have your back, both big and small. So cherish them.
U – UNAPOLOGETIC UNIQUENESS
Not only do I admit that I am unique, but I also refuse to apologize for it. I may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I am okay with that. I used to allow the eccentric details that made me special be a bad thing. I no longer feel that that is the case. To quote the great Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” So be you and don’t apologize for it.
L – LAUGHTER, LOVE, and LIFE LESSONS
I know, I know. I said one word for each letter. But this wouldn’t be complete without all three of these things. Whether it’s the LAUGHTER that others cause you or the sweet belly laughs you bring out of your children, laughter truly is the best medicine. I am thankful for every little chuckle heard within the walls of our home every single day.
LOVE can be felt on so many levels. Maybe it is between you and a significant other. Or maybe it’s the unconditional love you have for your child. And still it could be the love you feel for an extended family member or pet. We all have someone or something that we love and that loves us in return. But most importantly with love, we must remember to love ourselves. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to love those around me as well as myself. The author and motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia once said, “Love is always bestowed as a gift – freely, willingly and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love.” So do your heart a favor, spread the love and be thankful for those that love you.
I fullwell believe that 2020 has been one big LIFE LESSON after another. Whether or not we were paying attention or wanted to learn the lesson at hand, it was there. I am thankful for the fact that I am still able to learn new things each day. Some days the lesson may seem as trivial as what days are best to fish, while other lessons are so profound they bring a nation to its knees. I am thankful to be alive and open minded to the lessons that are put before me. What you and I do with those lessons is up to each of us.
A bit long winded for a blogpost I know, but after the year we’ve had I felt a little self reflection was needed. One little thing that I didn’t mention above is how thankful I am to be a contributor to Ur Basic Mom. The past 2 years have not only blessed me with new friends across the United States, but it has also given me the chance to share my thoughts with others outside of my little rural Kentucky community. So thank you readers of Ur Basic Mom. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here sharing with the world. I look forward to many more years of sharing the ramblings of mind, my cooking triumphs and flops, and so much more.
Do you have something that you are thankful for or maybe you participate in a Thankful November challenge on social media? What do you do to celebrate the blessing in your life? Drop your thoughts, feelings and suggestions in the comments down below.
