The Art of Being Thankful

Keep Calm & Gobble On
Courtesy of Cherry Blossom Tree Designs

Happy Thanksgiving! What a difference one year makes. This time last year we were dealing with the aftermath of Sandy (thankfully I only lost power, Internet access and some of my sanity, sigh), trying to buy our first Christmas tree (a real one!) for our first apartment (a bigger one!) and just trying to muddle through the rest of the year.

I can say that I have a very long list of things and people I am thankful for and each year just keeps getting better. To you, my friends and family–thank you for making this year pivotal and fulfilling.

We each have our own way of expressing gratitude and humility. I call this the art of being thankful. There is no minimum or limit when it comes to thanking someone. Sometimes it’s just a simple smile and acknowledgement that warms the heart. A hand written card also goes a long way 🙂

Here are a few highlights of my first truly adult Thanksgiving, complete with first time cooking a turkey and things that make this holiday such a joy for me. I will be updating throughout the day and hope you are having a fabulous day giving thanks ♥

Too tired to function! (and from this moment on, we named our turkey Hank)

My Thanksgiving day fuel

Beautiful original art from Grace (coworker’s daughter/office angel)

Simple entryway candle love

Snow White’s autumn

The art of being thankful

Coffee tablescape

Inspiration station

Defrosting the bird

Cleaned, seasoned, oiled up

She’s a beauty

Stuffed

In she goes!

Almost there!

Success! But where are the sides?!

Feast for the classy

Help yourself!

I am thankful for stretchy pants

Winding down after a massive food coma

♦ Birthday Wish ♦

Two days away from my birthday and I am already thinking about my birthday wish!

I’ve kind of down played my last few birthdays, choosing to keep it low key and not think about how another year has passed. Not very Leo of me…I think with everyone’s busy schedules and having so much on my mind I just bypassed what used to be a very celebratory occasion for fear that it would be an inconvenience to others.

Seriously, what the hell, Liz?

Nonsense. When you cherish your birthday and share this moment with your friends, you allow them the chance to share your happiness. This year is I choose to be acknowledged. I feel like I own my age and my accomplishments and I am ready to move onward and upward.

When I make my birthday wish on the 15th, I know that despite having a lot of things I want to have or accomplish, I will be every bit thankful for what I do have and the fabulous people who are here with me during this journey. I will hope for better things to come in my life…oh, and this hair. Definitely, this hair (Sigh, Nicole Scherzinger.):

{On A Positive Note}

I enjoy sharing positive thoughts and quotes and I have been surrounding myself with inspiring literature. One book I recently purchased is “Treasure Yourself” by Miranda Kerr (yes, the stunning Aussie Victoria Secret’s model).

Available: Barnes & Noble

This is a great coffee table/office inspiration station book–both pretty by the cover and filled with sweet, positive mantras. I recommend this book as a gift for a dear friend or of course, for yourself.

Here’s a passage that speaks to me as I reflect on my birthday, and I hope it will brighten your day as well:

 

♦  So tell me, what do you wish for?  ♦

#Elizabethology #TreasureYourself #AchieveYourDreams #Birthdaywishes