I can’t believe this week is already half over and that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I had big plans for the week and imagined my house would already be dressed for Christmas, but life had other ideas. Between work and everyday interruptions, not everything on my list has been finished yet.
Case in point: I was balancing decorating and a phone conversation when a curtain rod came loose and bonked me on the head. One decorating win, one extra project to add to the list. Moments like that are a reminder to laugh, give yourself grace in busy seasons, and keep an attitude of gratitude.
To be fair, I’ve been immersed in book work—finishing edits on one book, nearly done with the second, and already starting the third—so decorating time has been limited. I’m learning—again—about managing time and trying to find a balance between work and everyday life.
Often I can accomplish more than I expect when I focus and plan, yet sometimes I get less done than I dream I will. The sweet spot for me is somewhere in between: not all doing, but fully experiencing life. That feels like a happy balance.
Keeping an attitude of gratitude during busy or challenging times often comes down to choosing what to say yes to and what to decline. If the day feels like one curtain-rod mishap after another, it’s okay to call it quits early, curl up with your partner, and watch a favorite movie. The small reset can make everything better.
We’re having Thanksgiving dinner with new friends on Thursday and hosting family over the weekend. My daughter Courtney and I shopped together and now we have a 24-pound turkey in the fridge—ready for a slower, tastier meal and time to relax and give thanks around the table. PS: I’m fond of the metal star garland shown here; it’s from Season in a Trunk and I love how it looks.
What are you doing this week to keep your attitude of gratitude?
Related Post: 20 Little Attitudes of Gratitude
Only a few more posts left in my Loving Fall series. Catch up here:
Intro, Day One: Getting In the Rhythm, Day Two: Quiet, Day Three: Cozy Imperfections, Day Four: Rust, Coral, and Orange Fall Inspired Rooms, Day Five: Fall Nights by the Fire, Day Six: Candlelight, Day Seven: Turkish Towels, Day Eight: Fall Traditions with the Pups, Day Nine: Settling In, Day Ten: Displaying Small Trinkets and Treasures, Day Eleven: Christmas Dreaming, Day Twelve: Organization, Day Thirteen: Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider, Day Fourteen: Fall Nesting for Holiday Entertaining, Day Fifteen: Holiday Cooking, Baking, Bloggers and Cookbooks, Day Sixteen: Simplicity in the Laundry Room