9th Annual Thankfulness November 2024

Thankfulness November

The clocks have now fallen back and the sun has set before I even get out of work for the evening. The leaves have fallen from most of the trees and the days are getting colder. I do not know anyone who feels that November is their favorite month, even those who claim to love everything about the autumn season. But over the years I have found that I welcome these November days. As much as I wish the daylight could last longer, if only for my commute home from work or for an evening walk, I do appreciate the slowness of November. October is such a busy month with gatherings, weddings, work events, and trying to squeeze in the enjoyment of the quick leaf peeping season. As a photographer, autumn is very busy for me for weddings and photo shoots. On top of my other work events and tasks, there is so much to do and never enough time. November is when it all begins to slow down.

I have learned to have gratitude for this time of year. Especially because it is the month where I annually practice gratitude, not just because of the Thanksgiving season, but because it is a perfect quiet month to reflect on what I am grateful for. While gratitude is important the whole year through, this month is the perfect month to keep it at the forefront. I invite you to join me in my 9th annual Thankfulness November.

I practice gratitude this month by writing in my gratitude journal, going for walks in nature where I meditate on thoughts of gratitude, deep cleaning and decluttering my home, and by having an annual month-long spending ban. For the month of November I do not buy anything for myself outside of my typical bills and groceries. Sometimes I will buy a couple Christmas gifts for others at this time, but I do no shopping for myself. This is a great way for me to practice gratitude for what I already have, to live more sustainably, and be more frugal. It has been a great way to save money as well. You do not have to have a spending ban to practice gratitude this month. You can practice any way you choose. Volunteering for others is a great way to practice thankfulness. So is keeping a gratitude journal, writing a letter to a friend you feel grateful for and living sustainably.

This year I intend to extend my spending ban from November to the new year with a couple minor exceptions for the holiday season and the couple magazines that I read each month. I also wish to return to the activities that I enjoy so much, including writing for this blog and doing craft projects at home. Since starting my job over a year and a half ago, I have not had much time for the simple things that bring me so much joy, especially this blog. This blog is not a business, it is my hobby. I love sharing my photography, writing articles, and sharing crafts or projects for fun. I hope to prioritize the things that bring me joy this month and I hope you prioritize your hobbies and your happiness as well.

Happy thankfulness November!

With gratitude,

Courtney