Holiday Guest Post: The Gift of Family

The Gift of Family

“Thanksgiving Eve” is the kickoff to the holiday season.  In years past, I have found myself at the local watering hole enjoying a beer (fine, a few beers) while visiting and reconnecting with people of my past.  This year, I’m sprawled out on my parents couch after spending the evening catching up with my siblings and playing with my nephews.  Although it may not have been as vivacious as being shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar, it was just as fulfilling; and it won’t leave me with a hangover tomorrow.  

Tonight it hit me – what am I thankful for? My family.

Sure, this may sound a bit cliché, but I assure you mine is truly 

one-of-a-kind.  Although we are far from flawless, our support and love for one another is undeniable.  My mother and father are the glue that hold my siblings and me together.  Growing up the youngest of four children, we have had our fair share of quarrels.  But it wasn’t until the passing of my older brother when our relationships were truly tested.  We could have easily drifted apart for several reasons, but to this day I know my big sister and big brother will always be there for their baby sister.  

Over the past eight years, we could have easily focused on the loss of my brother, but instead, we continue to celebrate the life he shared with us!  There is no holiday, birthday, wedding, or May 21^st where we don’t bring up his name.  More frequently, we share stories of his youth which typically end with us all roaring with laughter.  

Although talking about the deceased with such ease may make some newcomers to our family feel uncomfortable, it keeps him in our daily lives; my nephews, and hopefully my children, will grow up knowing their uncle, and our fondest memories will stay fresh in our minds.  God knows our family is not picture perfect, but we can make it through anything as long as we are together. 

For this, I am thankful. 

Thanksgiving Guest Post: Cultivating a Spirit of Thankfulness

Cultivating a Spirit of Thankfulness

By: C Bedinger

Over the last few months I have spent some time thinking and reflecting on what it means to be thankful. Even more so now as the holidays approach. When we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness it will spread to those around you. In a time of growth and learning we will find a support all around us. It will bring a whole new meaning to the love and care the people around us have for us. I look around at the support I have from my friends and family and I am truly thankful for them. They are always there through the struggles and successes.

We often forget that we are all on a journey. It can feel like we struggle to remain thankful. We get so caught up in our everyday life; caught up on the things we are doing, or not doing. We can become anxious about all the things we have not accomplished this year; or more often become focused on the things that have gone wrong instead of what has gone right.

In my journey I am learning to be thankful, even for the things that don’t go the way I think they should. Instead of focusing on the failure, I am learning that when we challenge ourselves we may find failure. However, that is okay, failure shows us where we can grow and improve. So I've challenged myself again and have reached heights I never thought possible. I have learned to be thankful for the struggles. It may seem unnatural to be thankful for our challenges, but it is within those challenges we find our strength. In this process, I am thankful for the journey, as things often are a journey and take time to be truly appreciated. I believe this is what cultivating a spirit of thankfulness looks like. This spirit of thankfulness will manifest itself in every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you. I encourage you to look at the challenges you face, and cultivate a thankful heart for the growth you will have through them.   

Five Reasons to Run Outdoors This Winter

Snowy Runs...

Are the BEST.

Alright...so I imagine there will be several of you (my father included) who will completely disagree with this statement.  However...I still couldn't help but share my two cents.  With our first snowfall today, I had to celebrate...by going for a run.  It was SO peaceful.  If you haven't done so...I vote you try it and decide for yourself.  Feel free to comment with reasons why you love...or hate running in the winter.

1.  Peace & Quiet

I can tell you first hand that my winter runs are by far the most peaceful.  Everyone else stays inside and the buffer of snow on the road creates a tranquil setting that simply can't be replicated.  I cannot tell you how amazing it is to feel like you are the only one awake; enjoying one of our nature's most magical gifts...SNOW.

2.  You Feel Accomplished

Don't get me wrong.  Getting myself to go outside in the cold to exercise this morning was definitely a mental challenge.  The thought, "but my slippers feel so comfy" definitely crossed my mind.  I could have stayed in my leggings and slippers, but sitting here right now would not have felt so good.  I completed the task, overcame my mental resistance, and challenged my body...it feels good.

3.  It Challenges Your Body and Mind

In some ways this relates to the one above, but overcoming the resistance to stay inside is one of many mental challenges when running outdoors in the winter.  Exercising in general is about reaching milestones and breaking past what you tell yourself you are capable of doing.  One of my dear friends and I used to run together regularly.  When one of us was struggling the other would say, "let's reassess at the next light or stop sign."  Almost EVERY time we would get to the marker, we would determine a new marker for "reassessment."  It is something I use quite often, even during normal daily tasks.

4.  My Strongest Runs Happen

Maybe it's just me...but many of my best runs have been when temperatures were in the single digits.  Sounds crazy...I know.  I wouldn't have believed you had you told me that before I started running in the winter.  When I think of my best runs, they happened in the extreme cold.  When the weather is REALLY cold, there is minimal wind, which is why I love it so much.  For me is the very WORST part of running in the winter is the wind.  So the days that reach between 25-30 degrees are not my favorite...at all.  Some people think I am crazy and running when it is this cold is unsafe, but I assure you that if you wear the right gear and keep moving...you'll be just fine.

5.  Fresh Air     

During the winter our direct interaction with nature is minimal.  Yes we drive in it, but we don't spend nearly as much time outside as we do during other months.  The winter air is some of the freshest (or so it seems).  After any activity in the snow or cold, I am exhausted.  The fresh air is such a natural stress reliever and can often mean a really good night's sleep.  When I run...I sleep really good.  Plain and simple.

Thank you for reading!

Here are a few of the pictures I snapped during our first snowfall. :)  Enjoy!

It's AMAZING how the view can change over the course of days.

             

A Celebration of Thanksgiving: An Invite to Write

I would like Thankful for Thursdays to be a place where people can grow as independent thinkers.  A place to share positive interactions, experiences, new ideas, and reflect on challenges they have faced and overcame.

For several weeks, I have been anticipating Thanksgiving.  More specifically, brainstorming ways to engage readers and create a positive community on "Thankful for Thursdays" during the holiday season.  There have been many ideas that have passed through my mind, like the words "community" and "engagement," but still the ideas just weren't "fitting the bill."

I think I have definitely been overthinking it...but THANKFULLY the pressure of time (or lack thereof) can be a good thing and also, a woman in the coffee shop took pity on me and shared with me what she was most recently thankful for. #phew

HUGE HELP.  THANK YOU.

I think most days we tend to go through the motions.  We give out "thank you's" like candy on Halloween...

"Thank you" for the coffee.
 "Thank you" for holding the door.
"Thank you" for the birthday wish.

...And so on.

Many times it isn't until we have walked away from a situation that we see the big picture.  It could be that we didn't recognize the little coincidences or obstacles that had been set in place for something greater and we finally realize how thankful we should be for them.  Maybe it's the shock from a simple act of kindness that delays the overwhelming wave of gratitude.  Sometimes it can take days, months, even years to perfectly grasp or define what it is you have to be thankful for.

  After all, what do they say?
"Hindsight is 20/20."

So after all of this consideration, I am left with a request.

It begins by asking yourself the question: "What am I thankful for?"

Throwback Thursday to Thanksgiving 2014
First Thanksgiving as husband and wife :)

Take some time and reflect on the past few days, months, years, decade, or lifetime.    Maybe it is an old friend, a grouchy neighbor who turned out to be a friend, your children's laughter, the stray cat that became your roommate...ANYTHING.  This can be something that happened just a moment ago or in retrospect.  It's your opportunity to consider and share how you have been blessed outside of your own thoughts.

{Details Details}

Two "guest posts" (at least) will be featured here and on our Facebook page every week between Thanksgiving and New Years.

Submit Your Reflection

1.  Please "Like" the Thankful for Thursdays Facebook page (Here)

AND/OR
"Follow" Thankful for Thursdays on Pinterest

2.  Submit your reflection through e-mail by directly clicking or right-click and copy the text below:
Thankful for Thursdays.

3.  Finally, go beyond writing and find a way to "pay it forward."  Be creative and change your thankfulness into an act (or two) of kindness for someone.  

Please submit your guest post by November 25, 2015.

If you have any trouble, please contact me through Facebook, e-mail or by posting a comment in the comments section below.

{Picture Overload}

A little peek at who I am thankful for in my life (See Hubby Pic Above).
**Not pictured are my husbands parents who are unbelievably AMAZING and my in-law doggies who are oh so sweet. :)

My brother
 (Sportin' the ugly sweaters in 2014)

My Supportive Dad

My Wonderful Mother

And of course...let's not forget my precious pup-like senior

 

Dizzy-girl.....aka Isabelle

For without her...life would be a little less delightful.

Happy Thursday Everyone! :)

The Power of Conversation

Today I was reminded again that there is good in this world.  We just have to pay attention enough and embrace the opportunity to experience it.

After my workout, I decided to go take pictures at a park near our home.  I have been trying to learn more about our camera and a family member mentioned to try and take one picture every day.  I don't take a picture each day, but I try and do my best to take pictures a couple times a week.  

I also, like many others, find photography to be inspirational; an opportunity to capture a spark of beauty.

Surprisingly...beautiful.

So...I went to the park to take pictures...of my running shoes (weird I know, but I am obsessed) and the small lake (not so weird).  There were quite a few people out and about and the weather was beautiful.  One of them, an older woman, walked over to sit on a bench nearby.  She commented on our camera and just like that...we began to chat.  Now by "chat" I don't mean meaningless small talk.  We had a genuine conversation that happened to be very positive (I know this is not always the case.)  It started with her asking how to order enlarged pictures online, and ended on the topic of life today, the changes that have occurred, and how our ancestors might feel in the world today.  

Now that is a CONVERSATION.

It's amazing to me that the time I spent talking with a complete stranger had more substance than countless conversations with people I know intimately.  I have to admit that sometimes it's easier for me to have deeper conversations with people I don't know very well than it is with my close friends and family.  Maybe it's because our personalities are conditional;  when we are surrounded by a certain group of people we act differently than we do in the presence of another.

The power of conversations with strangers can be underestimated.  Sometimes people are intimidated or maybe even scared to strike up conversation with people they don't know.  Some might argue that we have grown to find random conversations uncomfortable and "weird."

But maybe it isn't so weird.  

Maybe it is strange that we don't experience these interactions more regularly.  You never know what might come of one.  What you might learn.  Not necessarily what you might learn about someone else, but yourself.  Your personality, beliefs, and social style.

Today, I had one conversation with a stranger. 

One conversation and my heart was full.  One conversation and my neighborhood felt a little more like home.  One conversation and I found a new friend.  

For a brief moment, I was present and still.

And for that I am oh so very...

Have you had a positive conversation with a stranger lately? 

:)

{Sunday Photo Inspiration}

A Holiday Challenge: Five Ways to Support Those Who Are Grieving

Thanksgiving is officially TWO WEEKS AWAY and as a major foodie with an exceptional family, excited doesn’t even come close to describing how I am feeling about it.  The holiday season is suppose to be this way right?  In my case that means decorations galore, fancy Christmas cards with happiness “oozing” out of the mailbox, and time to spend with friends and family.  

Joy, fulfillment, glee…these are just a few of the feelings we expect to experience throughout the holiday season.  Unless you have experienced loss.  In your case, this may be the most painful Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, (insert holiday here), that you have ever experienced.  Whether you have lost a job, finalized a divorce, gone through a terrible break-up, or are grieving the loss of a loved one, this holiday season may not bring the same level of happiness you would typically expect.    

I am not sure where this memory originated, however I can recall someone saying that the greatest challenge after experiencing loss is not necessarily the day it happened, but the period after when everyone else has returned to his or her daily routine and you are left picking up the pieces.

Trying to breathe without falling apart. 

Going into this holiday season I challenge you to think outside of your own happiness and find ways to reach out to those who may be struggling.  After reflecting on this for quite some time, I have compiled five ways to reach out to those who may need extra support in the next few months.

1.  Invite Them

It is that simple.  Whether it is for a meal or to meet up to watch a sporting event.  Invite them.  It gives them an opportunity to look forward to something and begin creating new memories.  Maybe find something productive to do such as volunteering or giving back to the community. 

2.  Send a Holiday Card

I have always enjoyed receiving the cute holiday cards with updates about how our friends are doing, but taking time to write a letter or note that will let that person know you are not only thinking of them, but also the grief they are experiencing.  If it is someone they have lost, then it shows their loved one is still on your mind, which I think can be equally important; just to know that person is still existing in the minds of others can provide comfort.

3.  Stand By Them

Maybe it's while they are filling out job applications, during a church service, or standing next to them while they visit their loved one's grave.  It is important to stand by them.

4.  Give a Gift of Memorial

Every year my mother purchases fresh wreaths and crosses.  They are BEAUTIFUL.  Most of them go to our loved ones graves and my dad and her take them to each gravesite.  I used to be a part of this and while I am sure I complained at times, I now see the significance.  We typically give the traditional wreaths away as gifts, but they would also act as good memorial gifts.  An ornament might also be a good gift for someone struggling with loss.

5.  Make a Donation

Making a donation in memory of someone to a local school, library, or another organization might also be a way for you to show support.  Try and think of something close to their heart that will shine light on them.

Ultimately, I am sure anything you do (that is from the heart) will be enough to elicit a smile or a small moment of hope.  

Please leave a comment below with further suggestions for ways to provide support or maybe even your own personal experience.

I hope you all have a wonderful start to your holiday festivities!  

Thank you for your support and as always...

BE THANKFUL

Let. It. Go.

Let's talk clutter...

We live in a world of clutter.  A world that thrives off of marketing tools used to convince us that we “need” that new iPhone 6, Vera Bradley duffel, or Fossil watch.  The list goes on and on {as do the advertisements}.  It takes serious self-discipline to resist the urge to buy, collect, and ultimately clutter every inch of our house.  Walking into a store alone is enough to “warm up” certain areas of your brain and prepare you to make purchases. 

The sad part…since that lovely (but not so lovely) “.com” took over the world, physical clutter can be the least of our worries.

I mean…how many of us have a separate e-mail for junk mail?!?!?! Personally, the number of unread messages that are in my “junk” mailbox alone can cause me to feel stress.  It’s simple.  I open my e-mail to see advertisements from Macy’s, TropiTan, Young Living, etc.  An ANXIETY SPIKE occurs and my thought process goes as follows: “these e-mails are constant, I need to unsubscribe to them, but that takes TIME.”  That “spaghetti noodle” connects to all of the other lists in my brain that will take precedence over unsubscribing from my junk mail and the e-mails continue to roll in and the cycle continues.  (Until a couple weeks ago of course…if I talk the talk I better walk the walk.)

My argument:  clutter is EVERYWHERE and at some point bins, baskets, and closet organizing systems just don’t do enough.

Over the past year there have been several little things that have ultimately had a large impact on Evan and my life that have triggered a reevaluation of what a life of fullness or success means for us.  We ultimately want to live freely and to do that we must live simply.  Whether it is the ingredient labels in our pantry or the number of clothes in our closet, the focus is to REDUCE the clutter in our minds.

Yes…mind clutter.  It is real and we all experience it, but people don’t tend to think about what occupies our minds as clutter. 

In reality, reducing the amount of “stuff” in our lives can be one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to reduce stress.  It’s just that getting started can be REALLY hard.

The nice part about getting rid of things is that it becomes easier.  It feels good to free up space and in many cases give items away, which in the majority of cases feels good too. The hard part is that letting go takes practice. 

Just a few weekends ago Evan and I spent a couple hours going through boxes in our basement and shipping them out the door.  Let me tell you a little secret…I don’t miss any of it.  Walking down the stairs gives me less to grumble about.  I never regret giving something away.  It is similar to exercising.  Initially I may think I have too much to do and that I will regret working out, but after my workout I NEVER regret it.  As for de-cluttering, I may think I will regret sending that t-shirt away, but I never do.  I don’t look back and wish I had the things I have let go.  Now that’s not to say I wouldn’t miss an item that has true sentimental value, there are limitations for getting rid of things too.

Here's Where to Start...

As I said earlier, letting go can be really challenging.  A few of the most significant ways we have removed “stuff” from our home and mind include:

1.     Selling the television in our bedroom.

Both my husband and I did not grow up with televisions in our bedrooms and after moving in together we never used it.  It wasn’t hooked up to cable and the only time I found it useful was for sick days when I wanted to lay in bed and watch movies.  So we sold it and I can tell you…we don’t miss it.  It’s one less thing to dust, our room feels slightly bigger, and we made some money.  Is there anything negative about that decision?

The old bookcase our television sat on...it has been given away too. :)

2.     Unsubscribing from e-mails.

Even though it takes time, it is really surprising how much relief comes from this simple task. It’s also the easiest way to steer clear of those sale promotions.  Your closet, bank account, and credit card will thank you.  Just because a coupon is available or a sale is happening, doesn’t mean there is a need to buy.  There will always be another coupon and sale.

3.     Throwing away-expired medications and food.

It’s amazing how much space these items take up in our medicine cabinets, cupboards, and/or pantries.  I was able to reduce two boxes of medication, Band-Aids, vitamins etc. to one.  Granted, we do not have children and we tend to steer clear of medications.  I would say almost a third of what we discarded was cold medication that had expired.

The bin on the left was full before the "purge."

**Note: The pills should not be disposed in the trash or flushed down the toilet, they should be taken to your local police or health department for proper disposal.

 4.     Recycling old electronics.

This one is still pending for Evan and I.  We currently have a number of items to send for recycling, so I will let you know how that all goes once we get rid of it.  I can tell you that the level of organization in our office space will take a step up and we will be better for it.

5.     College binders, papers, etc. 

This can be quite a challenge.  For the longest time I have felt the need to hold onto my notes from college.  I was in school for over SEVEN YEARS.  I am sure the method for teaching first grade students addition and subtraction has changed three times since I took my MTH 222 class.  We also have the Internet and local libraries, so when I need to research something my notes are generally my last ditch effort anyways.  I cleared out a whole bin and milk crate and donated about 15 binders to one of the schools I service.  Now I have more space and several children are benefiting from those binders.  Again…it’s a win.

 This took up a full storage bin and crate...PHEWY. 

When de-cluttering, it might be best to start small and in the area of your house and/or life that will benefit you the most.  Also, it might be important to set up a “graduated” program for yourself that gives you deadlines and is not rushed.  Maybe you hope to simplify your basement shelves within a month or go through one closet per month.  Make your goal achievable and one where you will experience success quickly.  I vote the junk box…it was so simple and I have REALLY felt a difference on this one.

Let me know how it goes! 

Our goal of simplicity is a work in process, so please feel free to share some ways you have simplified your life in the comments section below.  

Suggestions are welcome!