“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come…” (Thanksgiving hymn)

Welcome back to SOLO at SIXTY!

I went to a yoga class this week. (Namaste Y’all!) The instructor spoke in the beginning about how it finally felt like the first day of fall – gray and chilly. A new season. She asked us to think about “what is going to support us in this new season.” And then we were told to set our “intention” as to what that would be. I thought about it and realized that my “intention” for the rest of this year is “Thankfulness”. Being thankful for all that is right and good in my life, and also for what might not be so great in my life. Because no matter what, every day that I wake up, I am thankful to be here. Plus I know that I am blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I just need to be more mindful.

Did you remember from last week that November is our “Thankful Month”? Did you take a minute each day this past week to stop and think of something you are thankful for? Were you surprised at all of your blessings? Did it change your outlook?

“Remember being happy doesn’t mean you have it all. It simply means you’re THANKFUL for all you have.”

I focused on all the blessings in my life this past week. And there were many.  I went out to run one day at noon in heavenly 75 degree weather (thankfully in shorts and a tank top I might add!). Came back to the club, showered and went back to work. That evening as I was getting ready to go out to dinner, I looked for my special necklace to wear. It was not in the box I always keep in my gym bag. Where could it be? OH NO! I then remembered that I had forgotten to take it off before my run (I don’t like to run with it on) so I had run back in the club, and hung it in my locker. And I left it there. I called the club in a panic to see if anyone had turned it in. Who would turn in a valuable necklace like this one?!? Nope, not in Lost and Found. I told them which locker I had used (I always use the same one – imagine that!) and when they checked – low and behold, it was still hanging there! I was thankful beyond belief! What a blessing!

I also tried to take every opportunity to find and share happiness (which is a blessing in itself). My older daughter teaches a great cycle class at our club in Richmond on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. But it is at 6:30 am and an hour away. Oh how I wish she lived closer to me! Last Thursday, my younger daughter and I decided we would surprise my older daughter, so we drove to Richmond to take her cycle class. Left home at 5 am to get there. And surprise her we did! The look on her face when she saw us made my heart melt. She said it made her day. Made ours too. What a great instructor she is! I was so thankful we could and did do this.

Ready for the surprise!

My daughter the instructor!

“We don’t need more to be THANKFUL for, we just need to be more THANKFUL.”

Then on Friday, my younger daughter hit a deer on the way to work. Actually, she got hit by a deer. (Anyone see the Gilmore Girls episode where Rory got hit by a deer? I thought no way. Well, yes way!) She watched several deer cross the road in front of her and after they crossed the road, she sped up. Only to get hit by one last deer. Out of nowhere. She was not hurt, just so upset. She worried about the deer. She stopped, but did not get out, and did not see the deer anywhere. The deer ran off, most likely with part of her grill. Thankfully, she was not hurt, no one else was involved, and she has insurance. Only her car was damaged which can be repaired. As I told her, now she will get all of the “dings” fixed on her car. Lots to be thankful for there.

“Be THANKFUL for every mountain, because it’s the mountain top that will give you the best view of the world.”

My daughter went to the funeral of a co-worker this week. A mom, 61 years old. Basically my age. She said the service was very uplifting and the minister said that when this mom told him she was dying, he asked if she had any regrets. She replied that she wished she had prioritized things in a better way. That she had not put off having coffee with friends when they always said “let’s get together”. Or doing things she really wanted to do. I have tried to follow this advice this year in my new SOLO life. I have gone to the beach every opportunity I could find. And met friends for lunch, dinner, glass of wine, anywhere and everywhere. I am so thankful to have done this.

And actually, I met an “old” friend I had not seen in over a year for drinks after work last week. Oh my goodness how much fun it was to catch up and joke around again. So thankful for this opportunity to catch up and enjoy being able to sit outside in November. Also went to dinner with another friend as an early birthday celebration. I plan to celebrate all month long!

I hope you will join me in focusing on our blessings. We all have so much to be thankful for, but if we do not make the effort to be mindful of the good things in our lives, they slip right past us. We take them for granted.

“Sometimes we don’t notice the small prayers being answered, the unspoken prayers, the wishes. May we stop and take account, and give thanks.”

According to Forbes Magazine, gratitude improves not only your psychological health but also your physical health. Gratitude increases happiness and reduces depression. Grateful people tend to sleep better, eat healthier, exercise more and generally take better care of themselves. WOW! These are “great” reasons to be grateful!

This is what I am most thankful for every day! My happy, wonderful kids!

My Son – and Favorite Guy!

My daughters and son-in-law.

What is your “intention” for the remainder of 2017? Could it also be thankfulness? How will you let it improve your life? Your outlook? Your relationships? Make an effort every day this month to stop and be thankful for something in your life. I believe you will notice a big change in your outlook. And make an effort to spend time with those you love, because as we all know, none of us is promised tomorrow.

“As you start and end your day, be THANKFUL for every little thing in your life. You will come to realize how blessed you truly are.”

See you next week,

Thankfully,

Leslie