Celebrating Gratitude

Each month, our corporate office chooses a word to focus on for the month. Not too surprisingly, the word for November is “Gratitude”. This time of year starts the inevitable hustle and bustle of the holidays, and the seemingly endless to-do lists. It can be all too easy to get caught up in our lists, holiday parties, baking, shopping, and yes, fun, without slowing down and being present in the moment.

To really enjoy this time of year, I’m going to really concentrate on each moment. I know looking back I won’t wish I had done more baking, sent better Christmas cards, or think about which swag I used on the fireplace. Instead, I’ll look back at the photos and remember how little J saw the tree, the lights, the parade. How his sweet body felt in my arms and how magical the holidays are for our kids.

I’m going to choose calm over stress, and gratitude most of all. Gratitude for what I have, for my family, my home, my friends, and my business. Instead of focusing on what I want (or what I want to buy or give to someone else) I will think about experiences and bringing joy to everyone I encounter. I’m going to ignore that nasty voice in my head that tells me my decorations aren’t enough, or her cookies are better than mine, or I need to work harder to find the perfect gift for my mother-in-law. Because I am enough, I have enough, and so do you.

Be kind to yourself and remember that you are amazing. No holiday is worth stress, it’s about celebration and joy. So breathe, focus on the moment, and have a wonderful rest of the year!