Saturday, November 9, 2019

Gratitude... by Christine Bush


It’s that time of year when Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  The leaves have turned, the temperature is dropping, and it’s almost here.

I think about gratitude a lot, all through the year, but I seem to really focus on it at Thanksgiving time.  Even when life has its troubles and challengers, as this year sure has had for my family, we are blessed.  We have so much to be thankful for. It's good to remember that.

I have a dear friend named Karen, who challenges us to be extra mindful of gratitude every November.  She encourages us to post additions to a giant daily “gratitude list” on line, at least three things per day. No repeats.  I love this.

The start is simple. Family, friends, God, adequate food and shelter are easy to list.  But as the days pass, I have to be more aware specifically of the things around me (remember, no repeats!) Things like the community soccer field where my grandson jubilantly plays.  And his super enthusiastic volunteer coach who is giving him amazing experiences.

And then there’s the  little lady down the street in the house on the corner who spends HOURS making the most beautiful gardens, in every season.  I enjoy the view every time I go by. Exquisite.  I don’t even know this lady, but the awareness of this gratitude is convicting me to stop by and say hi and thanks, next time I see her out there.

The gratitude list goes on. I list mine, and read others. It’s inspiring. Motivation. Uplifting. 

Why?

I’m clearly seeing that it’s next to impossible to be overwhelmed by sadness or depression when you HAVE to keep your mind focused on finding three new things to be grateful for each day.  Gratitude really makes me happy, it seems.

Today?

1.      I’m grateful for my fellow writers, and the joyful, challenging stories they write that are so comforting and encouraging. And fun!

2.      I’m grateful for the gift and motivation to write my own stories, to keep my creative juices flowing.
 

3.      I’m grateful for Amazon Prime free shipping (grin).  Because I order a LOT of books!

 How about you? What are you grateful for today? I’d love to hear!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!   Love, Christine

 

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense.  She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.   When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

Christine's  “Sunny Smile” is a sweet romantic mystery set on the Navajo reservation!


7 comments:

  1. Christine, And we're grateful for YOU. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. Christine, thanks for the reminder to be grateful every day. I am so blessed. I have much to be grateful for.

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  3. Great post. I'm grateful for my Lord, family and friend.

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  4. Great reminder. I started a planner for medical appointments. 3 things I am grateful for is now a planner post. Happy Thanksgiving.

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