Happy Thanksgiving!

Today’s tidbit: “Whatever you may be missing right now – a person, a place, a feeling – whatever it is, have peace and take heart – remember that any goodbye makes room for a hello. — Kristin Armstrong

Stay humble. Be thankful. Love & live. Thanksgiving is the best time to remember, thank and appreciate the many blessings that life brings you.

Remember last year? This has certainly been the year for change and transition… a time for letting go, saying goodbye and learning to start a new chapter. I’ll reflect on 2013 in January, but for now I wanted to pause and reflect on everything I am thankful for!

Thanksgiving

So don’t be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don’t know what work they are accomplishing within you?  Rainer Maria Rilke

Every struggle shapes who you are and even if you don’t understand it something within you is changing. I am trying to be thankful for the hard times because they can only make you stronger. Everyone has challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. No matter what you’re going through, you have to step back and put life in perspective – to remember what you have and not take anything for granted. I saw this first hand in South Africa. One day walking around and interacting with kids in a township (blog post to come) was a huge wake up call and such a humbling experience! Many of us complain about things that are so trivial in the big picture. So, although for me it has been a really rough year, I know I have grown tremendously and it could be much worse! There is so much to be thankful for. What are you thankful for this year?

Wishing you and your loved ones safe travels and a very Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!

10 Responses to “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  1. Allie says:

    Beautiful post, well said! I am thankful for my new husband, all my family (including my new in-laws) and friends… and this year I am extra thankful we got to see so many of the people we love at our wedding recently.

    We love you sissy, and we are so very thankful you are in our lives! Happy Thanksgiving.

  2. Karen says:

    Agreed! 2013 was a year filled with tears of sadness and tears of joy (Allie and Brian’s wedding, David’s graduation), struggles and triumphs, being pushed to the limit and overcoming the obstacles, frustration and despair along with hope, joy and peace… most of all endings and new beginnings filled with the love, support and caring of friends and family.

    I am very thankful for everyone in my life and all of these situations for they have all shaped me and you into who we now are and who we will be moving forward. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving ♡♥

  3. Parveen says:

    Appropriately stated. That’s what Change is about. Even though everyone fears change but it adds color and perspective to life and make it richer and meaningful. Remember – only going through fire soft iron becomes hard steel – a valuable and well liked material! 2013 has been a life-changing year for us and I am confident that best is yet to come. I am thankful to have three wonderful young adults, caring family and friends in my life. It’s time to fly, fly, fly to new heights!

  4. Chris says:

    I’m thankful for the goodness I find in the people I meet in so many varied circumstances. Throughout recorded history human culture is founded upon the fundamental goodness of people and the triumph of that goodness in their hearts. So thank you to all those people whose hearts are still open to goodness in their lives no matter what challenges they have faced.

  5. […] weeks I have been busy wrapping up things (trip to NY, design GMU project, trip down memory lane, Thanksgiving, Allie’s wedding and a family photo shoot). This past Saturday I did another family session […]

  6. […] was definitely an eventful year! As I mentioned in my Thanksgiving post, every struggle shapes who you are and even if you don’t understand it something within you is […]