I love the change of seasons! There is always this shift come November first, where I start to reflect on the year. Most people probably do this at the end of the year, but I think the switch to cozy, chilly weather changes my mindset from busy, to more reflective. It might be because I live far away from my family and with the holidays coming up it is a hard time of year (I won’t be able to make it home). So why not reflect on the GOOD things that happened this year?
A FUN FACT about me- I have been keeping a Thankful Calendar for many, many years. I buy a little pocket calendar each year and I write something I am thankful for in it daily. Sometimes it is as simple as “my morning coffee”, or “laughter”, but often it is the name of a person that made an impact, or something nature related, like sunshine!
This is a great way to remember that life is GOOD. Life can be hard, it is not without its struggles that’s for sure, but there is something to be thankful for each day. And when you seek it, you begin to find the good. It is always good reminding myself to seek positivity, and to be thankful for God’s blessings.
Today’s entry: “Seeing an American Kestrel along my driveway”.
I encourage you to print a calendar for this month, and write something you are thankful for each day. Do the same for December. I think it is especially important for kids to learn to be thankful. Heading toward Christmas, when the world says you NEED MORE to be happy… seeing the good in what already surrounds you is a powerful life lesson.
Maybe plan on adding a pocket calendar to the stockings this year, and make 2025 a year of thanksgiving!
I know this is not a typical Fun Fact Friday post – but it is what is on my mind. Life can seem overwhelming. Sometimes we can’t understand why certain things happen. Become a thankful person no matter what. If you don’t have a printer, grab a piece of paper and number it 1-30. It’s a great start! Hang it on the fridge – make it a family activity. If you want to get artsy with it, make a tree with paper and make thankful leaves to hang on it each day, or a turkey with thankful feathers 🙂
If you find it hard – go outside a notice nature. Patterns, colors, frost, raindrops, or moss. Pay attention to people. Did someone make you smile, or did you make someone smile? Did you read a good book, or hear a song at just the right time? That’s something to be thankful for!
I am thankful for you – and the support you have given this year. I am excited for what is to come, and thankful to be able to follow this childhood dream of illustrating books 🙂