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TwitterI am living life with eyes made new this Thanksgiving.
My life is literally changing in front of me, and the most wonderful part is that nothing in my life has changed . . . except for my perspective.
Do you remember that phone call I got about buying a book a few weeks ago? It may very well be the best book recommendation I have ever gotten.
“One Thousand Gifts” is not a quick read. In fact, I am only on chapter four and I already feel as though I need to go back and start over.
But what I am learning is revolutionizing the way I live my life.
I am choosing to live less harried and to embrace this beautiful, crazy life I have.
I was constantly looking ahead in pursuit of my next adventure/task/goal. In the midst of that forward-looking, I was forgetting about present-living.
And the best way to live fully in the present, is to count my blessings, my one thousand gifts.
In the midst of planning, achieving and accomplishing, I was failing to live fully in the moments I have. And that doesn’t make any sense. In pursuit of a better existence, I forget to exist where I am.
And where I am is in the middle of raising three rambunctious boys, working part-time, writing blogs and managing a household. And I don’t want to waste another moment on what happens next.
I want to embrace and remember the now.
So while we all prepare for our day of giving thanks, I am preparing for my lifestyle of thanksgiving.
On my list:
6. A little boy who finagles his way into my bed every night.
7. Sweet, early morning cuddle time with the night-roving little boy.
14. Artwork strewn about my home, done by a fledgling 6-year-old artist.
22. The tender heart of my oldest as he discovers his gifts.
43. Friends who rearrange their lives to spend a few crazy moments with me on a Saturday.
68. Neighbors who bring great food and their wonderful families over for a pre-Thanksgiving feast.
22. A mild November.
123. The Magic Eraser.
Because, honestly, who can be consumed with worry, regret or guilt, when we fill our hearts with gratitude?
So what’s on your 1,000 gifts list?
* * *
For those who prefer to count gifts on the go, “One Thousand Gifts” author Ann Voskamp now has an app for that.
* * *
Judy Daniell is married with three sons. She works part-time. Read her Wednesdays on momaha.com
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Posted by: Gina H. on 11/23/2011 @ 7:15 am:
Oh, wow, if ever there was a post I loved, it’s this one. LOVE this, Judy, and quite honestly, I’m challenged by it. So thank you!
To begin mine:
1. For a husband who actually likes to listen to my ramblings, and turns them into a good conversation.
2. For children who make me laugh, and who invite me to snuggle with them hourly.
3. Backyard firepits.
4. Magic Eraser (me too!)
5. Hot coffee in the morning
Happy Thanksgiving, happy thankful living!
Posted by: Judy Daniell on 11/23/2011 @ 1:09 pm:
Good one. I am staring at marker on the carpet at the moment, but I’m not worried…i have the Magic Eraser. You have a great day too friend. Happy thankful living to you too.
Posted by: Amy Magan (@4thfrog) on 11/23/2011 @ 8:56 am:
Great perspective. Adding this book to my Christmas wish list. Some of my gifts:
1. Fountain Diet Coke in the morning
2. A funny, responsible daughter
3. My own bed-sharing boy
4. A 12-year-old son who still wants to hold my hand
5. A job with terrific co-workers and a wonderful boss
Posted by: Judy Daniell on 11/23/2011 @ 1:11 pm:
I wish I worked with you, I bet they say the sames things about you, lovely woman. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Heidi Woodard on 11/23/2011 @ 10:06 am:
1. Friends who love me in spite of my weaknesses.
2. A dog that thinks I am the best thing since chopped liver.
3. Having a wonderful building in which to work and a warm home to return to at the end of the day.
4. Sleeping next to my husband every night.
5. My confident oldest who looks at life and its limitless possibilities.
6. My tender hearted middle child who continues to put mom on the pedestal.
7. My fearless youngest who believes the world is her oyster.
8. Grandmas and grandpas who keep us grounded and sane.
9. The men and women who protect my children during the day and teach them life lessons.
10. You and the rest of the bloggers who open yourselves up for our enjoyment.
Posted by: Judy Daniell on 11/23/2011 @ 1:08 pm:
Sweet, kind words. I am thankful for you and this venue for sharing our lives with each other.
Posted by: Erin Human (@ecustomcards) on 11/23/2011 @ 10:51 am:
I will look for this book!
On my list…
* One healthy, adorable son and another baby on the way
* A loving husband who has been incredibly supportive through all our life changes
* A work-from-home business that is fun and rewarding
* Good health – let me never forget to appreciate that!
* The enjoyment of blogging and connecting with others through writing
* Wonderful neighbors who have become more than just neighbors
* Good friends who have stayed close despite being so far away
* Chocolate ice cream
Posted by: Judy Daniell on 11/23/2011 @ 1:08 pm:
Thanks for sharing. Wonderful list, though mine would be chocolate mint ice cream…mmmmm. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Amy G on 11/23/2011 @ 2:52 pm:
I love this post too, Judy. We could all use a reminder, from time to time, to slow down and enjoy the ride. On my list today is:
1. My husband, who has chosen to make a life and 2 beautiful children with me.
2. My beautiful boys, who keep me on my toes and teach me as much as I’m supposed to teach them.
3. A clean, warm place to lay my head at night.
4. The health of myself, my family and my friends.
5. My dear friends, who know me and love me anyway.
And last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for this amazing, smart, funny, kind group of women I have come to know because of Momaha.
Posted by: April on 11/25/2011 @ 9:01 am:
This IS an amazing book that WILL totally change one’s perspective. I am thankful for you my friend!!