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!
Let’s Get Social
A few years ago we moved from our home of 35 years to a new home a few miles away. The move wasn't easy but it was what we needed to do. Our new house, not the one where my babies grew up and all the important things of my younger life took place, was a nice enough house. But I still felt sad about leaving our old home. The new house is on a corner, something we really didn't want, but you can't have everything. I realized after being there a short time that now I could see the sunrise from my bedroom window every morning. I can't tell you how thankful I am to be able to experience the beauty God shows us with every sunrise. I can also see the sunset from my living room window every evening. These are the most glorious things to witness each day. I am thankful to be reminded just how beautiful the world is and feel the hope each time I see this amazing displays in the sky. I'm also thankful that to be reminded that God always does have a plan!
Beautiful, friend!
I needed to read this today !!!
Precious!! I feel so many of these same thoughts, the 40's are hard but yet better in some ways. Wonderful read and my grateful heart swelled in reading this and another thing I'm grateful for is YOU!!!! Happy weekend beautiful friend!! xo
I mean, were you inspired by my day yesterday or what?!? Totally needed this and totally thankful for you!
I'm thankful for friends and my kids and coffee!
So much to be thankful for indeed and we're always rushing around so we often take this stuff for granted!! Thankful for my sweet family!
I'm so thankful for my husband, girls and family! And for blogger friends like holly and Shelly!
Linda thank you so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts! I got chills reading this and a little teary eyed just thinking about it. God is so good no matter our circumstance and he will always be there if we take the time to look.
So happy we have hooked up in this little blog space Andrea!
Thank you sweet lady! Have a super weekend.
Right? I know it's been a doozy but you got this girl. Beautiful inside and out and hard things will not stop you.
I needed this today! I'm feeling overwhelmed & need to realize I'm overwhelmed because I have so many people in my life that I'm thankful for! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
I go through those stretches too that make me feel guilty, but love reflecting back on all that there is to be thankful for. How perfect is that pillow?! *Fingers crossed* <3
Green Fashionista
This season of the year is always hard for me Emily. So much joy and happiness but so easy to become overwhelmed. I hope you have a peaceful, restful weekend.
Have a super weekend Kate! Good luck!
Aww….so glad Kimm! Hope you are doing well.
Dara….today I was sooooo thankful for coffee! All week we have been out and while I love McDonalds coffee I really love my husbands coffee the most and I was so happy to have it this morning!
Definitely easy to do Sarita. Hope you have a super weekend with your beautiful family.
I am leading a study for Uninvited starting on the 9th. I can not wait to share it with the ladies in my group. Lysa nailed this book!
Being thankful is something I'm always working on. What a thoughtful post and a great reminder. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much for this Shelly – I have so much to be thankful for but so often I am so very ungrateful. You know how much I love your blog and I am so, so thankful for your latest blog post – I am very thankful of you!
This is such a great way to really dwell on what it really means to be thankful. SO glad you shared this.
Beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win!
I found your blog on the Grateful Heart linkup. I think it's HUGE when a job can not only provide for your financially, but also be flexible, enjoyable, and fulfilling. I love the way you describe how you are thankful. I'm a military wife and sometimes I do play the victim card for myself when things are hard. Next time I feel that way I'm going to try to do something for someone else :))
Good luck Laura!
I've been on the struggle bus lately Beth!!
I love this post and how you broke it down on how to be thankful, sometimes it's hard when you're in the hustle and bustle of life to stop and be thankful for the little things. I'm thankful for our heath, I see so many friends and family going through tough times with health issues.
Sarah health is definitely something to be thankful for. I had dinner with a precious friend last night who has been battling for over 20 years with an autoimmune disease. She's had some other crazy heartache in her life too but she is still living life and finding a way to smile.
Oh Carolann I am so good at playing the victim card!! I get into a bad habit of doing nice things for people outside my family and forgetting those closest to my heart sometimes just out of spite because I feel they take me for granted. My heart is not always very kind. 🙂
I'm so glad you find some inspiration here Kristin! I'm super thankful for readers like you. Life is tough sometimes and it always makes me feel better when I know I'm not alone.
It seems like it shouldn't be that hard right Lana? I just get into such a funk sometimes.
Stephanie it is so great! I hope your first study went well. Prayers as you lead your group!
This is such a great read I may have to bookmark! Thanks for sharing and for hosting the giveaway! Xo
Thanks Jessi! Hope you are having a beautiful weekend with your little Miss.