Historically, November is when I post something I’m thankful for on social media almost every day. And historically, about ten or twelve days in, it starts to get a little kitschy. The gratitude is real, but finding something to post every day can start to feel like an assignment.
I haven’t done it this year. But I have found myself, in odd moments, thinking how great life really is these days.
After all the loss and all the changes and all of LIFE happening, it’s nice to catch myself being grateful for what I have now. Sometimes I think that’s what catches me by surprise—the realization that I’m happy right here, in a life that has changed so much.
Yesterday, it was a Sunday afternoon nap, snuggled between my dog and my husband. A luxury in and of itself, even if it was brought on by a muscle relaxer after I spent too long sewing and hurt myself. Apparently, I still need supervision when it comes to knowing when to quit. But there I was, comfortable and loved, with nowhere I needed to be. There are worse ways to spend a Sunday.
I wander around our home and have those moments, too. So much has changed in it over the last few weeks, and I keep stopping to look. It’s beautiful. I love what we’re doing with it, and I love how it feels to live here.
It’s different from the homes of my past. Different in how it looks, how it sounds, and what fills our days. I’ve been thinking about those differences and realizing how much I enjoy some of them.
Don’t get me wrong—for a plug nickel, I’d fill it with my kids’ laughter, noise, and mess in a heartbeat. I miss having all that life under one roof. I suspect part of me always will.
But this stage of life is pretty sweet, too. I’m allowed to love it, even while I miss parts of what came before. And lately, I really do love it.
Then there’s my sewing room. Sometimes I wander in ready to make something. Sometimes I’m waiting for inspiration to hit. And sometimes I just sit in there and look around, marveling a little at what I’ve created. Having the space and the place for that feels like such a gift. Even if I occasionally need to leave the room before I require medication.
And there’s Tim. Next Monday, we’ll have been together for five years. I’m so thankful for him, for all he brings to my life, and for the home and life we share. Five years have held a lot of LIFE, too. It means a great deal to look around at where we are now and know we’ve gotten here together. I love having him beside me for the ordinary days. The Sunday-afternoon-nap kind of days.
We’re right smack in the middle of a season of change, and for once, I don’t mind it as much. I’m excited about what’s coming to our world. I’m making plans and looking forward to seeing how they unfold. It feels good to have that excitement.
In two weeks, I leave for yet another turkey trip. I’ll be skipping out on the holiday stress and spending a girls’ week with someone I love dearly. I’m thankful I can do that—for the ability to travel, for time off work at the end of a long year, and for a friendship that gives us a reason to pack our bags and go. And yes, I’m thankful someone else will be worrying about the cooking.
I’m thankful for family close by and for new traditions coming about. I still get nostalgic this time of year. There are people I miss and holidays I’d love to visit again. But I’m also looking forward to the holidays we haven’t had yet.
There is much in my world to be thankful for this year. I wanted to share it, even if I’m sharing it a little differently.
So this year, it’s a nap. A room I love. My husband beside me. Family nearby. A trip on the calendar. Those little moments when I stop whatever I’m doing, look around, and think, “This is pretty great.”
I’m thankful I’m noticing.
Blessings Ya’ll – Amy
