Thanksgiving

Gratitude fosters a mindset of abundance, shifting our focus from what we lack to what we already have. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the good things that we take for granted. Acts of gratitude and appreciation not only enrich our lives but also nurture relationships, especially when distance or time makes it challenging to connect in person.

As we grow older, friendships naturally evolve due to changes in life circumstances, interests, and geography. But they don’t have to fade; with intentional effort, they can deepen and grow stronger. Enduring friendships are built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a commitment to staying connected, even amidst life’s busyness. We often pursue productivity goals to free up time in our busy lives. But, if we aren’t careful, we often optimize for the sake of optimizing and miss out on things that truly matter. Thanksgiving offers a timely reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters—our relationships. After all, it’s the bonds we nurture along the way that bring meaning and joy to our lives. Isn’t it?

In that spirit, I’m sharing a piece of memory that I co-created with five friends last Thanksgiving! Each of us played around with acrylic colors (many for the first time) and drew something open-ended on a blank piece of canvas. It wasn’t my idea, but I’m grateful we tried this activity together. I set out to draw a still life of a vase. But, when that didn’t seem to be working, I just decided to capture the moment with the six of us! Perhaps embracing the moment and not chasing perfection turned out better in the end. It was also more fun. I wish I could remember that more often.