Happy Wednesday!
And happy Thanksgiving-Eve!
This week has gotten off to a pretty good start so far. Chris went back to work on Monday, yay! Although I don’t think the dogs were too excited about it.
I took this picture about 5 minutes after Chris walked out the door Monday morning. I think Lyssa and Levi missed him already!
Hmm what else has been going on this week? Well, Chris and I are more than halfway through the second season of Stranger Things and we are totally hooked. I can’t wait to see how the season ends.
I have also bought all of the groceries we need for Thanksgiving and I am super excited to cook my first turkey this year. I seriously can’t believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow, where did the time go?
Thanksgiving is always a time of year where I’m very reflective and I take some extra time to think about all of the things I’m thankful for. I remember last Thanksgiving we had recently found out about Chris’ IgA Nephropathy diagnosis. He was going through Chemotherapy and was about 1/3 of the way through his treatments. I remember being so hopeful the Chemotherapy would work and put his auto-immune disease into remission so we could enjoy next year’s Thanksgiving. Well, we are definitely going to enjoy Thanksgiving this year but not because of the reason I thought back then. Funny how things work.
I was planning to write a “Things I’m Thankful For” post today but then I stumbled across THIS 30 Days of Gratitude article and I thought that would be a fun, out of the box way to reflect on all of the positives in my life.
I decided to make a series out of it and break it up into a weekly post. I hope you will join me in my 30 Days of Gratitude challenge!
30 Days of Gratitude
Day 1: What smell are you grateful for today?
I’m thankful for the smell of tacos! That’s what we’re having for dinner tonight and my mouth is watering. I seriously think I could eat tacos every day.
Day 2: What technology are you grateful for?
This is probably pretty obvious (and cliche), but I’m thankful for my iPhone. It allows me to stay connected to the people I care about, whether it’s through phone calls, text messages, or social media. I love feeling connected to my loved ones.
Levi likes staying connected with his loved ones too!
Day 3: What color are you grateful for?
Blue! Blue is my favorite color. I wear various shades of blue all the time and cobalt blue was our wedding color.
Aren’t my bridesmaids beautiful? I may be biased but I loved their blue dresses!
Day 4: What food are you most grateful for?
Tex Mex, chips and queso to be exact. I’ve been vocal about my love of Tex Mex (HERE and HERE) and it was the one thing I missed most when I lived in California. After moving back to Texas, I have access to queso whenever I want and it’s amazing.
Day 5: What sound are you grateful for today?
Hmmm that’s a tough one. As obnoxious as it is, I’m grateful for Levi’s howling. He was howling this morning and it is so loud and shocking that I laugh every time I hear it. It always brings a smile to my face!
Day 6: What in nature are you grateful for?
Sunsets. We live across the street from a field and we see the most beautiful sunsets. I love it!
And one more.
Ok last one, I promise.
Day 7: What memory are you grateful for?
Wow, it’s going to be hard to pick one memory… I’m going to go with my gut on this one and pick the first thing that popped into my head: our wedding. But one moment in particular at our wedding. It was after Chris and I were pronounced husband and wife and we were walking out of our wedding ceremony. We were on such a high and I felt like nothing could ever bring us down. I want to hold onto that feeling forever.
Wow I’m feeling inspired and thankful already. It’s amazing all of the little things you take for granted over time. This list has already reminded me of 7 things I am grateful for. I can’t wait to continue digging into all of the positive things in my life!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week!
Lisa
This is a great challenge. Pinned and I am going to do this in the month of December. The to-do list and all the holiday prep can get one side tracked so I think if I stay focussed on things I am greatful for, I will be happier and a better person.
Amanda Morgan
I totally agree! This challenge is a great way to keep things in perspective!
lovemegananne
I wish I would have read about this at the beginning of November but I love this!
Amanda Morgan
I agree! I would have started this sooner if I had heard about it earlier. But better late than never right?
Nostalgia Diaries
It’s such a wonderful practice to regularly give thanks. I try to do this always but I will have to do this challenge! So much to be thankful for!
Amanda Morgan
I agree, it is always good to remember how much we have to be thankful for!
Lisa Orchard
Taking time to be grateful each day is so important. It can change your whole outlook for your day.
Amanda Morgan
Yes it can, so important!
ellenbest24
That memory …And nothing will bring you down positive thinking and constant kindness will win through. A lovely post
Amanda Morgan
Thank you for your kind words, so glad you enjoyed it!
angelanoelauthor
Hi Amanda! This is just wonderful. I love the idea of reflecting in a different, expanded way about the things we’re grateful for. Tacos really are amazing–let me just say that.
The one thing I’ll share is a memory. One day I was giving my son (he was seven at the time) a hug. I felt so much joy in that moment, a love that only expanded and grew, set free rather than confined. I didn’t need that love returned, I only needed to feel how large and gorgeous it was. Even now, I tear up just thinking of that moment. Words are inadequate to describe it. But when any of us feel that kind of love-like you did at your wedding-we just know it has changed us forever. Thanks for the post (and series).
Amanda Morgan
Hi Angela! I love the memory you shared, what a special moment. I agree that kind of love changes us forever!
Ritu
Love it! There is something to feel grateful for at all times!
Amanda Morgan
Yes there is!
Unbound Roots
Hi, Amanda! What a lovely post. I can feel the gratitude throughout your writing. Lovely. I also love that your sweet pups show up in many of your photos. I’m the same way with my animals. 🙂 Last, how did your turkey turn out? Hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Amanda Morgan
Thank you so much for your kind words! What kind of animals do you have? Our pups are definitely family to us. The turkey turned out well, I’m so proud haha. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Unbound Roots
We have two dogs and 12 chickens… for now. ???? I’m trying hard to convince my husband to venture into owning horses, but I think it will take some time. I’m so happy your turkey turned out well. I told my parents on Thanksgiving that turkey dinners are my favorite. I look forward to Thanksgiving dinners every year.
Amanda Morgan
I look forward to Thanksgiving every year too! I hope you are able to venture into horses soon!
fancypaperblog
I had the same cobalt blue as a wedding colour???? love it
Amanda Morgan
Yes, I love that color!
Jennifer
Favorite smell? A spring morning when the lilacs are in bloom. Technology? Smartphones (I’m a Google Girl!) Color? I love them all, but Yellow is my absolute favorite. Food? Steak right off the grill. Sound? A tie between my husband’s laugh and the sound of waves. Favorite in nature? Sunsets or sunrises over the ocean. And my favorite memory is my first date with my husband.
Amanda Morgan
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for participating in the 30 Day of Gratitude challenge with me! Oh yum, steak right off the grill is delicious and I love the sound and memory you’re grateful for!
Gabe Burkhardt
This is a wonderful infographic. Thanks -have added it to my self care board to refer back to later.
Amanda Morgan
Thank you so much Gabe!