I try to focus on gratitude all through the year, not just around Thanksgiving.
Still, this time of year does tend to hone in on our feelings of being grateful and thankful. Time with family, good food, time off from work, getting ready for the holidays – it’s all good stuff!
I wasn’t sure how the holiday season would hit this year, with our little family still adjusting to our divorce, but so far it’s been great. Starting a new life can be scary, but it can also be FUN – especially for someone like me who is all about new possibilities.
I’ve been filling my time recently with so many new forms of fun, creativity, connection and meaning. It’s honestly been an inspiring, fulfilling and exciting few months and given me so much to be grateful for.
There are three things in particular that I am super thankful for, and which I feel motivated to write about. They are all pretty different, but all fill me with peace, gratitude and thanksgiving – so it’s timely that I’m writing this now.
1. My new spiritual community: North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center. It’s been decades since I belonged to or felt like part of a church community – but UU isn’t like any other church. It is diverse, inclusive and progressive. When I walked in, the first thing I saw were welcoming LGBTQ flags and literature. The pastor is a woman (and married to a woman). The people are friendly and warm, and there is no dogma. On my second visit, it already felt like home – and I was invited to join the choir, something I am super excited about! I couldn’t be happier to have found a congregation where I truly feel I belong.
2. My first drum circle: with the amazing Iggy Garcia. During my first month with NUCC, they hosted a drum circle with the incredible Iggy Garcia. It blew my mind! Iggy is devoted to bringing the wisdom of ancient traditions to enrich our lives today, and the drum circle did just that. I loved participating with Iggy, the NUCC community and all who attended. It was an hour of blissful, rhythmic connection that felt deeply spiritual, exciting and also just plain fun! I loved it and welcome the opportunity to participate in future drum circles; I may even have to get my own drum one of these days.
3. A Healing Girl workshop: with Janita from The Libra Alchemy. I met Janita years ago when Z and I were spending our Friday nights down at the Mystic Market. I’ve purchased her beautiful crystal jewelry, but this was my first time attending one of her workshops. It was wonderful and exactly what I needed! Together, a small group of women talked, shared and wrote down all of the things we want to release or let go of. Then, we burned our writings in a bonfire to signify truly eradicating them from our lives. This experience freed me from doubts, fears and uncertainties that have plagued me for months, if not years. I feel so light, free and clear ever since that night! It was truly life-changing.
It feels good to head into Thanksgiving feeling emotionally full, grateful and connected to healing and inspiring communities like these. I will continue to focus on connection and belonging in my life to continue to attract experiences and people like these into my sphere!
I’m also manifesting more connection, community and belonging for our teen daughter, and hoping to be able to show her how important these practices are for a healthy and full life.
What are you grateful for right now? I’d love to hear your tales of thanksgiving in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram.
