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I am so grateful that I get to do what I love; which is taking photographs and writing. Thank you, my dear readers, for being here the past few years (or today if you are new). Developing this blog is something that truly brings me joy. When I first started I focused primarily on simple living and my Thankfulness November series is my first blog series.
Every November I like to slow down and practice appreciation. November is a favorite month of mine because the busyness of the wedding season (I am a wedding photographer) is now behind me, and although I am usually overwhelmed with photos to edit, it is a month of slowness before the holiday festivities begin. The leaves are past peak, but they are so deep and rich in color. It is a peaceful and cozy time. I light candles, pick out books to read for the holiday season, take long hot baths before bed, and fall into a cozy routine.
I know that the American holiday of Thanksgiving is problematic for many reasons, and I do not like to downplay the suffering of America’s native people. It is a history that is very important to be represented accurately. One cannot celebrate Thanksgiving without being completely aware about the history behind it. I have always known of America’s tumulus history, yet I have enjoyed Thanksgiving as a tradition with my family, or at least, the idea behind it.
Gratitude is so essential for wellbeing and to combat grief, greed, sadness, and envy. I love that the United States has a holiday dedicated to thankfulness and family. It is a sad history and definitely a very white-washed view of history, but the very idea of being grateful and cultivating peace is an idea that I do appreciate. Which is why every November I celebrate my very own “Thankfulness November.” I hope that you will join me this year.
So what does Thankfulness November mean?
I simply practice gratitude the whole month through. I practice gratitude numerous ways; by writing three things I am grateful for every day, volunteering, going on a month long spending ban to appreciate what I already have, and going through my things to donate items I no longer use or need.
How do you practice gratitude?
