As I was composing this years Five-Thanks Thursday I noticed that it was practically identical to the Five-Thing list I’d posted the year before.
I suppose that shouldn’t have surprised me. It was, after all, a list of the five things that I’m most thankful for and, while 2023 has had it’s moments, none of them have been significant enough to shake up that top five list.
So I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make this an “Honorable Mentions” post, or if I wanted to take the opportunity to look at the close of the year as it approaches and think back on everything that’s transpired. Then I glanced at a calendar and discovered the incredibly convenient Sunday, December 31st.
As we’re rolling into Monday after a long holiday weekend – and while we’re burning off all that punkin’ pie through dodging all of the ads, and calls to buy all the things – I thought I’d take a minute to talk about some of the things that money can’t buy.
Time with family and friends. As another year comes to a close, you’re going to get busy. Make some time to spend with your chosen family and friends and just hang out and enjoy their company – make a few memories, have (more than) a few laughs, and just be with them in the moment.
Really taking notice of the changing of the seasons. As the saying (kind of) goes, The Wheel turns ever on and on. Seasons come and go, and each one brings it’s own delights. For me recently, it’s been the Earthy smells of Autumn. Traces of woodsmoke on the air, the rustle of leaves in the air, and the feel of them underfoot. That’s been a big part of what’s been getting me out on the road for walks – especially when it’s been getting darker sooner. The next few days are supposed to bring with it the first traces of snow in my neck of the woods and I woke up this morning, hoping to see some flurries. No Luck, so I’m hoping that it’ll hold off until I get out for my walk later on today. There’s something about the crisp edge in the air that speaks to me. It’s not the same thing speaking to me as a pair of really thick socks at the end of the day, but they are both delightful.
Time with yourself. As I mentioned above, typically, the end of the year comes with a ramping up of all the things and we might find ourselves pretty busy. Like time spent with your chosen family and friends, make some time to spend with yourself. Reconnect with you. Rediscover who you are. What your core values are, what’s important to you, and what you’re thankful for.
I could go on and on, and I’m sure that there are things that you’ve got in mind as well that bear some serious consideration. Take some time, before Monday arrives and we’re stuck back into the thick of things, to think about the things that you’re thankful for, and which are important to you.
Thanks for reading. Be safe out there. Be Excellent to Each other – and yourself.
I’ll see you on Thursday.
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