Thanks & Giving

The holidays are bittersweet. I enjoy the time with our family, the traditions, and the dip into nostalgia, and I also begrudge the expectations, the relentless pressure, and the sense that no matter what we do, there is still so much missing.

Not things, please know. The consumerism is part of what I find least pleasant, but the festive gatherings, the rejoicing, the altruism and hope, that’s what I find most meaningful about our season. Community.

Ours is not what I had envisioned and sometimes I find my grief over what is lacking clouds my vision of what is right before me. That grey, that hope and hurt, gratitude and grief, excitement and exhaustion, can push me into habits of procrastination and distraction that ultimately complicate matters more deeply.

This year, I intend to be really gentle with myself, to connect with those I miss, to capture the plentiful moments of good to balance out the dark recollections of bad.

This year, I will be mindful of my patterns, asking myself to make one item of action complete before I reward myself with a substance, a binge, a nap.

This year, I seek to shop sustainably, give intentionally, and commune generously.

Then I will make the space to capture this precious season with a 15 minute practice of relentless self care.

If that appeals to you too, try this free tool today. And then in 2023, when it’s time to reflect and reset, we can look back and consider the stories of our holiday seasons – the good, the bad, and the complicated.

And just in case you are looking for other unique and special ways to connect, consider a set of ExOr note cards. They are bold, they are beautiful, they support this gal as she works through her bittersweet in a creative way.

No matter how you experience this Thanksgiving, I hope we all remember to pause and practice the act of gratitude starting by giving thanks for you.

Share your story @extheornow

And thank you for spending your precious time and energy here with me. It is meaningful. 

If you’ve made it to the end of this, I am most grateful. My head is a swirl of loneliness, gratitude, exasperation and hope. Knowing a part of me is now with you brings much peace.

I would be honored if you would share your story with me, in some small way