November feels like a breath of fresh air. There’s just something about it - Halloween and spooky season is over, the weather is cooler, and it’s a slow, easy transition to the holidays whenever I feel like it. It’s just delightful.

I like to take the first couple weeks of November to enjoy fall a little bit longer, before I get swept away with the holiday spirit. A little longer to enjoy pumpkins and apple cider. A little longer to enjoy some cool weather and a little longer in the “in-between”.

This year, I’m so grateful for this little break. October was, as per the usual, VERY busy. It takes a little longer for me to recover these days, and I need this rest. I also like to use this time to refocus a little bit. After all, Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. It feels weird to rush it, and only ponder the things we’re grateful for on that one day. In this tiny window of respite, I like to start focusing on gratitude and how blessed I truly am.

I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that my thoughts on gratitude take the shape of a list. I mean, of course I made a list. I love lists and I am VERY grateful for them. However, this year, I just made one master list of all the things I’m grateful for, big and small, and put them together in no particular order. I didn’t even group them by importance.

Who am I?

I know. I’m getting out of control here.

gratitude list

my husband

friends and family who have donated clothes to me and my baby

my girls - my first introduction to motherhood

pregnancy pillow

hygge music

my amazing family

ability and strength to keep active every day

job that I love with an incredible team + working from home

daily walks after work with Elliot and the girls

my shacket

apple cider

fall candles

my side yard tree and its bright red leaves

little baby kicks

new lotion that smells so good

generous church family who is super excited about the baby

nesting

strawberry lemonade

my marigolds

cool evenings

I highly recommend making a little list for yourself, even if it’s just a few things in the notes app on your phone. It’s a good practice and helps to get in the habit of recognizing gratitude in your everyday life.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18