We're celebrating Thanksgiving today in the U.S. As a Canadian married to an American it always feels weird, since Canadians celebrate Turkey Day for different reasons and about a month earlier. No matter, I'm grateful to be spared any major cooking, travel or drama. It's the beginning of the mad whirlwind known as the holiday season, but it's crazy-making only if you let it. My motto is: do less and say no more often. I just found out I need to be somewhere earlier tomorrow. I'd planned to be baking then, so guess what, it'll be store bought dessert instead. In the frenzy of to-do lists, we forget what there is to be grateful for. Of the 86,400 seconds of life every day, have you used two seconds to say "thank you?" For what you ask (as you're pulling your hair out)? For everything. For the seat that supports you or the ground beneath your feet for starters.

What boggles my mind is: the busier our schedules get, the more we eliminate the very things that help us cope. The relaxing baths, pampering, quiet me time. My yoga class at this time of the year thins out, to my surprise and delight. Last night it was a gentle class of two. As I stretched my arms out, I felt gratitude for the extra space, both literal and figurative. Say no to another invite/favor/errand and say yes to you. You might be surprised to feel an abundance of gratitude.

Photo quote de jour (three today to celebrate the spirit of abundance). You may wonder how I find time to create these, and the answer is; I find it relaxing, plus I can do them blindfolded. Please forward them to anyone you think would enjoy them.



And a bonus "path" photo". As I scrolled through my archives, I was shocked at the bountiful numbers of these path themed images. I had fun playing with Picnik photo editing and making up new quotes.