5 Ways to Finding Thankful + Giveaway
November is here and this time of year we all turn our thoughts to being thankful. Sure, most of us are thankful throughout the year but this month, as the holidays approach, the air changes and we see so many people outwardly showing thanksgiving. But what if you don’t really feel it? Let’s be honest, even at my best there are days when I lose focus on all things good. I feel overlooked, taken for granted, overwhelmed and maybe even disrespected. Deep down I know I have so much to be thankful for. I do. Here I am blessed beyond anything I ever imagined, yet some days being thankful is still a stretch for me and that leaves me feeling guilty.
Maybe you don’t have these days and if that’s true I’m incredibly envious. If you are a bit like me, however, here are 5 ways I’ve found to help me find my way back to thankful. It’s as simple as looking at the who, what, when, where and how in my life.
Who am I thankful for? Sometimes those same people who I feel have overlooked me and taken for granted. My husband, my children, my family, my friends and even my coworkers. They know me and, y’all, they still love me. We have history with memories and blessings between us and I’m so thankful God chose to place them in my lives.
What am I thankful for? Maybe some of those same things that overwhelm me sometimes. A job that provides more than I ever dreamed financially but also mentally. I’m so thankful my job provides the flexibility I need as a mom and the time off to spend quality time with my family. Providing the food, clothes and other necessities along with all those special extras for our family is such a blessing I know some are going without every night and I feel thankful.
When am I thankful? Keith drives me so crazy sometimes but when I’m down about my ever changing 40+ body he is always there to tell me he thinks I’m beautiful. I know he sees me totally different than I see myself and when he does so on a day I’m feeling ugly to the core I’m so, so thankful. The same can be said for receiving some kind or thoughtful response from one of my babies or a close friend. Don’t even get me started on how far it goes when I receive an unexpected thank you from an administrator at work. Yes, also when my sweet readers leave comments here I am so thankful! When I am loved on in any way I am thankful.
Where am I thankful? Sitting on the back porch with a great cup of coffee alone with my thoughts, in a church pew hearing words I feel were prepared just for me or at a girls night laughing the night away I am thankful. Mostly, however, deep down in my heart is where I’m thankful most. That sweet spot that holds all the joy and pain of the past 47 years which has shaped me into who I am.
How do I show I am thankful? Playing the victim can be so appealing sometimes but by responding with grace instead I often change my heart and the heart of others. Making a special meal, washing an extra load of clothes, picking up someones favorite treat and just saying thank you can go a long way. Giving my time, my money, my expertise to serve others is also something that really fills me up. Sometimes I like to just remember someone who has walked closely with me and supported me and reach out with some sweet handwritten words to let them know I’m so thankful.
I just love this quote from Lysa in her book Uninvited
If we allow our thoughts to stink, that smell will leak out of every bit of us; our words, our actions, and especially our reactions.
So what about you? How do you stay focused on being thankful?
Now, my friends Holly, Katy and I have a special “Thankful” giveaway for you! Katy’s cousin, Ginny, offered this adorable pillow cover from her Etsy shop and we are giving one away + throwing in one additional pillow cover so you can give it to someone YOU are thankful for!
Click the image for all my faves!
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