A good thing to practice, and something I’m still actively trying to do daily, is to take stock in the things I have to be grateful for in the days, weeks and months surrounding Thanksgiving- and not just on the holiday itself. It can be tricky, of course. I have bad days and difficult times just like everyone else in this world- but finding those moments of reflection and thankfulness can really turn my mindset around and improve even the most trying or daunting of days.
For example, I recently had to bring my car in for multiple repair sessions over this past month after my brakes, sway bars, and fuel injection line started acting up one right after the other. Those repairs have been costly and stressful- the last thing I need when I’m trying to prepare for the holidays- and it definitely put unneeded annoyance and worry in my trips to and from my mechanic.
The silver lining and thing to be thankful for? My car is running smoothly and safely again- making my upcoming travels for Thanksgiving possible and ensuring I won’t endanger myself or others on the road. The money for those repairs will come back to me eventually. Being injured if my brakes had failed or stranded if my car stalled could have potentially caused more financial or physical hardships. I consider myself blessed that they were detected and fixed in time.
Another example? Work has been more stressful than usual. A change in leadership and a shift in expectations and responsibilities has made each workday more tedious as I feel consistently scrutinized and “stuck” working with and for people that I otherwise would not have to deal with six months ago. I’ve seen a shift in my mood during my time at the office and have had to frequently advocate for myself for any and all things- which can be exhausting sometimes when all I want to do is the work I know in my heart I accomplish more than well.
The silver lining and thing to be thankful for? I have people at my job who are actively trying to elevate me and maneuver me to different positions within the company where I can work freely and thrive using my extensive skillset and knowledge. These individuals encouraging me, putting in good words for me, and essentially sticking their necks out for me has given me hope and motivation again that things can and will get better sooner than later and that I can and will press on and keep moving forward.
See? It’s all about the mindset!
This year, like many years before- I am again so thankful for my health, my friends and my family- and my career (as busy and as frustrating as it can be sometimes!) but I’m also so appreciative of the adventures and new experiences I’ve been able to have throughout 2023. I acknowledge that I am so, so fortunate- and not a moment of it has been taken for granted.
And as always, I’m grateful for this little corner of the web I’ve carved out as my own and for all the readers, subscribers and supporters of ‘Coffee & Chiffon.’ It truly means the world to me.
So as I prepare for a long weekend of good food, time with friends/family and out-of-state travel- I wanted to wish all who celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving and my sincerest hope that you all find those people, places and moments to be grateful for in the days ahead.
I’ll be back next week with a recap of my weekend, a look at some of my favorite things from these past few weeks- and my fond farewell to the month of November in its entirety before we get ready for December and Christmastime!
Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 