November's Reverie, Gratitude Runs Free
Looking back early at 2023, there is so much to be thankful for that I see.
It’s November and once again, people are reminded to be grateful…and faithful. I look back at the past ten months and realize once more that a grateful heart is something to be thankful for in itself.
Let me share a list of things that brings a happy heart and sighs of content.
Life, In General
The second daughter finishing college, the youngest son finishing senior high school, the youngest daughter starting her third year in pre-medicine
My mom happy and health at 73 years and her visit to my youngest sister in Australia
My sister being pregnant with her first child
Me, surviving business heartaches
Me, about to begin my full-blown thesis to finish graduate studies
The blessing to travel back to Newport, Rhode Island
Me, waking up every morning, thankful to breathe, love and live
The number of friends I can count by the fingers on my hand but can always count on
The Little Things
The crisp crunch of leaves under my feet
The warmth of ocean waves splashing on my body
The glow of fireworks as I hold my neck up for ten minutes to watch the sky
The pale red moon lighting up a black sky
Simple picnics in a school field
Playtime with my dog
The ‘laugh’ of flowers
The beautiful view of the lighthouse on a beach
The smell of perfume
The Stepmom Things
Being present in my eldest stepdaughter’s wedding
Meeting the biological mom for the first time, without a fuss
Seeing the children visit their biomom on their own, with a lot of love and peace in everyone’s hearts
My eldest stepson’s hugs and kisses at the very unexpected moments
The husband, being blessed with the chance to give away his eldest daughter in her wedding
My stepdaughter’s boyfriend’s positive influence on her well-being
Working out all of my stepchildren’s first international travels and driver’s licenses
I look at life and there is so much for to be thankful for. Too many reasons why we must always choose joy and gratitude. Too many blessings to ignore how much we are favored.
So this November, I start to give thanks honoring life’s graces, keeping the faith.
The gratitude for simple pleasures, such as the crunch of leaves, the ocean's embrace, the beauty of fireworks, and the serenity of a red moon, highlights the magic in everyday life. Your words reflect a deep appreciation for the experiences and relationships that have enriched your life in the past ten months.
When I read your list of things that light your heart, I was reminded of Dale Carnegie's quote, he said; "Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. So start each day by thinking of all the things you have to be thankful for. Your future will depend very largely on the thoughts you think today. So think thoughts of hope, and confidence and love and success."