Gratitude and Love

This week sort of marks of the beginning of "The Holidays". At least in the U.S., with Thanksgiving on Thursday and then... well, I won't talk about the next day and the chaos that stores have been counting down to for the past month.

In our town there's a parade on Friday night. Businesses are open late and give out goodies. It's festive.

I like festive. I like cozy. I like family togetherness.

hydrangeas, dried flowers, painted furniture, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

I don't like the frenzy of shop, shop, shop. And I certainly don't like the fact that it seems to creep up earlier and earlier each year (and that's why I said "sort of" up there... is there even a clear delineation anymore?).

I guess I say that every year, but that's because it hits me every year.

I won't focus on it.

Instead I'll focus on the joy. Which is what I strive to do anyway.

african violets, houseplants, flowers, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Joy and gratitude and love.

If we all were to focus on cultivating joy and gratitude and love and spreading them into the world, do you know how powerful that would be?

I thought I'd share a few links along those lines that I've found inspiring lately:
I've also been thinking about the movie Love Actually where Hugh Grant (as British Prime Minister) says:
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.
watercolor, watercolor roses, roses heart, rose heart collage, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

 Yes. Love.

And don't forget gratitude. Because that is what Thursday is supposed to be about (although I think every day should be). Not turkey. Not Christmas shopping.

I'm sending both your way, my friends (love and gratitude, not turkey and Christmas shopping). Wishing you peace and calm. Wishing you togetherness and coziness. Wishing you festive celebrations.

And wishing you much joy, always.

Comments

  1. So well said, Anne! I couldn't agree more. I'll be checking the links next... Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sharon! This season can be needlessly stressful. We can choose to make it less so.

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too!

      Delete
  2. I agree it should be every day that we say thank you. I heard an interview with Danielle Laporte this morning and she was speaking about intentional gratitude. Being so aware of how much we have to be thankful for right now and declaring it in some way.

    I love the photo card idea from Mountain Rose Herbs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it would be fun to put those cards all over. I bet there's somewhere you can find them and buy or print them out?

      I recently found this quote and it really made an impression on me: “God gave you a gift of 86 400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”
      ― William Arthur Ward

      Love the idea of intentional gratitude. And being aware. Paying attention, always.

      Delete
  3. Sending much love to you and your family Anne. Thank you for the links - I will have a read of them. Your love and gratitude shines through your work. Enjoy your week of celebrations and Thanksgiving. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Simone! Your encouragement, friendship and support mean a lot to me!

      Delete
  4. We were just at the airport the other night waiting for our daughter's plane to arrive and were thinking of Love Actually! My husband and I just stood back and watched everyone greet each other and it made us both smile. Love, actually, is all around. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What fun! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving (and have a happy birthday!). Glad your daughter is home with you!

      Delete
  5. Happy Thanksgiving Dear Anne,
    I will be taking a blog break. I wanted to stop in and say Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You for the great posts this year. You do inspire me and help me settle down when I feel anxiety coming. You help me remember to stop and enjoy.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Thanksgiving, Carla! I'm so glad to have you along on my journey and to know that I help to bring some calm into your life!

      Delete
  6. Lovely, Anne, and so true. Wishing you a peaceful, family-filled day and much joy throughout the season! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Judy. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! I hope you get to spend it with your daughter!

      Delete
  7. We watch Love Actually every Christmas, and love that quote as well. So glad you are here, Anne, a bright spot here on the internet. Hope you have a lovely day tomorrow.

    thanks for the link love. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of my favorite movies. :)

      So glad you're along on my journey. Thank you!!

      Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Delete

Post a Comment