Happy Thanksgiving!! It is probably really cliché to write a post about things you’re thankful for on Thanksgiving, however today, I’m embracing it. Too often we get caught up in the “I want” or “I wish” or “I don’t have”’s of life. I am SO guilty of this. I always want something more, different, “bigger” or “better.” And I’ll admit, I’m not the first one to pause + think about all I do have to be thankful for.
So this Thanksgiving, instead of not doing a thankful post because everyone is doing it, I’m doing one. Caleb’s younger sister is a student at UW-Madison + is currently in a class called ‘Human Emotions’. A few weeks ago, she was telling me about a unit they were studying on positive vs. negative thinking. I don’t remember the specific statistics, but WOW. I remember being blown away. Choosing to think positively has unbelievable effects on your body, mind, + life. Increasing health + even adding multiple years to your life.
Thankfulness.
Thinking positive.
Choosing joy.
It’s NOT easy … a lot of times, it feels almost impossible. But I truly believe that focusing on the good—the things we have to be thankful for—can change our lives. So this Thanksgiving, let’s let the change begin : )
5 Non-Traditional Things We’re Thankful for This Thanksgiving
1. Sandburg Woods
These (very small) woods are located right next door to the property that our apartment complex is on. The woods are super old, rather untouched, + filled with a handful of footpaths for those who choose to walk them. We are so thankful for these woods because living in the city, they are a mini escape into nature, where we can take a break from the work of our day + spend time with Vivian + each other. Because of the Sandburg woods (+ our sweet pooch’s LOVE for running free off her leash), we can’t help but take time every day to slow down for a half hour, walk hand + hand, + let that little girl run : )
2. Maison’s Lap Desk
A couple of months ago when we were at Jo Ann Fabrics, I came across a lap desk that was on sale, 80% off. I convinced Caleb to let me buy it because it would allow me to work while sitting on the couch + not just be confined to my desk in the office. Something that seems so simple, I am so thankful for. I absolutely love our nightly routine, snuggling on the couch with Vivian watching a Netflix series (we just finished Prison Break two days ago!) This little desk allows me to work while spending time with the two people I love most!! (Yes, I’m considering Vivian a person!!)
3. Caleb’s Gibson J-45 Custom
“Every time I open the case of my J-45, I get a huge grin on my face. The incredible craftsmanship—from the hand-laid abalone to the polished sunburst finish, the fast-playing neck + the height of the strings—it’s like this guitar was made specifically for me. And then I play it. It’s amazing. It opens creative channels that might otherwise be closed. From self-expression to worship, it allows me to reflect on how I’m feeling. I’m thankful for the creation of an instrument that I can connect with on such a deep level.”
4. Green Bay Packers
We are not shy about our love for the Green Bay Packers … after all, they are the greatest team. Ever. We love being a part of the Packer Fan Community aka Packer Nation!! It really is unlike anything else (if you ever get the chance to go to a game at Lambeau Field, even if you’re not a football fan, do it!! The experience is crazy!!) Anyway, we look so forward to watching The Packers play every Sunday. It’s such great, wholesome entertainment, + an excuse for us to get together with our friends to cheer on the Green & Gold!!
5. Setting the Apartment Temperature
Something we never see eye to eye on. Caleb likes the apartment cold (like, ridiculously cold) so that he can snuggle under the blankets. I, on the other hand, like things rather warm. We’re both on opposite, + extreme, ends of the spectrum which can often lead to heated debts (haha! ; )). Okay, but really, why are we thankful for this? This is just a small example of something we have had conflict over in our marriage thus far. And while conflict can be so hard—we often run from it or bury it—conflict brings us closer together. Because when we SOLVE the conflict, we win. Together. We come out on top, learning more about the other person + figuring out the best way to do something—which isn’t necessarily our own way, but rather side by side. <3 M
Above image credit:
Lap desk | http://tinyurl.com/pcdjrfn
Guitar | http://tinyurl.com/ky9rn5h
Thermometer | http://tinyurl.com/ngskzq3
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