November - Growing Pains

The month of reflection is here, a time to reminisce and be cognoscente of what we are grateful and thankful for. Some of us may be able to welcome the upcoming holiday season with an open heart and nothing but a sparkle in our eyes. Others might be entering this season with a heavy heart, finding it a bit hard to be welcoming or even capable of feeling remotely festive or thankful. I have always been one to play Christmas carols in November, driving my friends and family crazy. The holiday season is a time where I transform into my child like self, the excitement is raw and I am ready to just BE that glowing ornament on the Christmas tree! But this season, my light is a little dimmer than normal. Although life has been a bit rocky for me these past few months, this quote reassures me when I feel like giving up; “Everything is happening exactly as it’s supposed to, with hidden blessings that you’ll soon understand. Sometimes what appears to be a problem is actually an answered prayer in disguise.” When we feel as though we are living on fumes and are about to stall out, find yourself a quite spot to reflect,  grab a piece of paper or your journal and start scribbling down anything and everything that you are thankful for or whatever raises your spirit an octave higher.

I am so blessed to have a great group of friends and family who have been a major source of support throughout life. They have always been able to bring my spirits up by just being there, as well as helping me to remember who I am and what positive attributes I bring into our friendship. Surround yourself with others who bring out the best in you and provide good energy. Take this month to reflect on who might be in your life that you are deeply grateful for, someone that has always been there, through the good times and the bad. This month is all about showing and vocalizing appreciation. Thank them by reminding them how very special they are, how grateful you are. Maybe do something simple to show them that you are appreciative. This year I truly want to host a Friendsgiving. Invite all of my besties over, treat them with love and indulge on them a bit. There is nothing better for the soul then laughter with friends and giving!

My newest goal as we head closer to 2017 is to love: myself. Never forget to treat yourself with love. Be thankful to have life, to be alive and able to share yourself with others. Always treat yourself with respect and indulge in the things that make your heart, soul and mind buzz with happiness. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. When we neglect loving ourselves, we can easily lose sight of who we are and become angry or bitter towards the world. Your life is a blessing. I have learned this the hard way and I am sure that I am not alone. As a working mother and wife, I became consumed with tending to others needs, neglecting mine along the way. I ran habit of depending on my husband to make me happy or friends, but the only person who can truly make me happy is ME. We cannot depend on someone else to make ourselves happy. It isn’t fair to them. I am now doing small things that truly make me happy. For example, painting my nails or taking time to read a book. Typically we do not need a lot to make ourselves happy, so square away just a tiny bit of “you time”, even if its 15 minutes. You will thank yourself and be a much happier version of you.

I am thankful for my family who loves me unconditionally. I am thankful that I have a home to come to each evening. That I have food to nourish myself and my family. That I am loved and that I can show love. The fits of laughter and big hugs that I am given from my son. The fact that I am writing this article. That I have genuine friendships that I know will last many seasons. I could go on and on!! Now that I have started this list my spirits have lifted! There are so many things that we can be thankful for. Unfortunately it is much easier to become inundated with life and the struggles, but when we really think about what we have and we write it down, it changes our mindset and we can view our world from a place of love.

This Thanksgiving, be sure to thank those you have in your life. Be kind to yourself. And be thankful for all the small things.

Peace & Blessings –

Carla