“Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that’s what they mean by ‘Thanksgiving,’ Charlie Brown.” – Marcie
There is lots of advice for the TTC community on how to deal through the holidays. How to navigate those questions from family members, asking you..and asking you…about when you plan on having children. Even worse, when they offer “well-meaning” advice.
Our suggestion is actually simple. Rather than being reactionary, try to think about the fact that this advice or questioning – unless you are dealing with a true sociopath – is most likely coming from a good place in their hearts. Try not to dwell so much on the conversation, but rise above and see the conversation from a different place. A place of love and trust – that those family members or friends truly do want the best for you. Draw from them all of that good energy and try to enjoy yourself.
Thanksgiving is actually my favorite holiday because it helps us to think of all of the things in our live that we should be grateful for. Sue and I both took the time to write our top 25…this is a personal list for each of us. Of course yours would be different. What is your top 25?
Joanne’s Top 25
1. My husband and soul-mate who supports me in every way possible
2. My healthy and happy children
3. Family
4. Creativity
5. Friendship
6. A place where we relax, love and call home
7. The chance to create a company that is helping others in profound ways
8. My community
9. Books (and the library, where they let you take a stack of books for FREE)
10. The internet
11. Photography and the art of capturing memories
12. Our dog that brings my hubby and kids such joy
13. The changing seasons
14. The change in my attitude about exercising my body
15. Journaling and honing my writing skills
16. My 20/20 eyesight
17. Meditation and expressing gratitude
18. Netflix and Pandora
19. The help that we have received as a company from so many brilliant people
20. A great glass of wine
21. Crockpot dinner on a Sunday afternoon
22. Health of my family – now and continuing on
23. Challenges in life that has made me who I am
24. Our country, and the rising tide of the economy (we can dream, too!)
25. Helping others
Sue’s Top 25
1. My Friday night date night with my husband and my martini
2. Snuggling with my 4 year old
3. Hearing my 16 year old laugh
4. Circle + Bloom and the ability to have a job that does not feel like a job
5. My Faith which gets me through all that life brings
6. My Family and knowing no matter what they will accept me just as I am
7. My Health, and the health of my family
8. My Friends who don’t let me get away with saying “I am too busy”
9. The great outdoors, there is nothing better than a great hike in the woods
10. My sun filled office
11. My gas fireplace that I thought I could never like
12. That my stress comes from my every day life, not lack of food, shelter or political unrest
13. My Neighborhood
14. My book club
15. Food TV Network
16. The smell of a Christmas tree
17. My spin class and spin instructor who pushes me to my limits
18. Sunsets (sunrises are too early for me to enjoy!)
19. My comfy bed
20. DVR – what would I do without being able to fast forward through all the commercials
21. My i-phone
22. Knowing God is right by my side during the tough times of my life
23. My favorite pair of jeans, they never fail me no matter the occasion
24. Music – almost any kind!
25. Life!
YOUR TURN!! Please share…
Tina says
1. My Loving, Supportive Husband!
2. Having a wonderful job and an awesome boss ?
3. I’m thankful to be the daughter of two supportive people. They gave me everything they possibly could … and even some things they probably couldn’t and still do. I am the person I am today because of them. Love you Mom & Dad ?
4. All 14 of my Nieces and Nephews. All different in their own way, they make me smile everyday.
5. For my 4 beautiful God-daughters ? and for the parents to bless me with the opportunity to be their God-mother.
6. My siblings…as batshit crazy as they all are, I still love them ?
7. The friends I have. This is going to sound so cliche, but my friends are the best I could ask for and are truly my family.
8. The roof over my head, the food that I eat, and a warm bed to sleep in
9. The Men & Women past, present & future who serve and protect our country!
10. Friday’s off…four day work weeks are the best. I get so much done with a three day weekend.
11. My furbabies…there is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog! ?
12. The hard times…because they’ve made me stronger and wiser, and the good times even better.
13. Hugs! I’m not normally a touchy-feely girl, but a good hug can brighten any day ?
14. My bestest friend. It’s funny to think that for the first 1 1/2 decades of my life, I didn’t even know she existed…but, boy am I glad she does. She is my go to girl, she can make me laugh when I’m down and she always knows what I’m thinking. If you don’t have a Best friend like this on your team—stop, drop and get one now!
15. That I’m a nice person. I’m hardly perfect, but it’s good to know in my heart that I’m a kind person. I’d never intentionally hurt anyone. I hate to see anyone cry and love to see people smile. I may be a bit shy sometimes and not the best at socializing, but I genuinely appreciate and care about people.
16. Laughter…it’s just so healthy. There is little better in the world than the laugh-so-hard-you-cry feeling ?
17. My Mother & Father-in-law ? Yes, I really do love my in-laws…don’t hate!
18. My curly hair…sometimes it doesn’t cooperate, but I really do love it!
19. The little things…a laugh, a smile, a kind gesture. They can all change the world!
20. Those who accept me for who I am
21. Circle + Bloom getting me through every cycle…good or bad!
22. My doctors who God willing are doing everything in their power to help me achieve a pregnancy.
23. A good book, a cozy couch and a hot cup of tea
24. Reality TV
25. Hot showers and warm towels
Joanne says
Thank you Tina for playing with us! I especially love 21 🙂 – and so agree on 16! Have a fantastic T-Day!
Lisa Davies says
1. My darling boyfriend who fills my heart everyday
2. Cup of Green Tea in the morning
3. My mum and dad for all their love and kindness
4. The beautiful trees outside my home
5. My magnificent body for taking me jogging through beautiful countryside
6. Friendships that warm my heart
7. Dressing up all glam and going out to fancy posh restaurants
8. My friends for holding my hand when i need support
9. Books that enrich and inspire me
10. Sailing with my boyfriend, and playing in the sea
11. Setting up a successful business that encourages me to expand, grow and shine
12. My brother for showing me his courage, and being such a super star!
13. Nourishing myself with delicious healthy food
14. Being a child of God and knowing that i am loved
15. Inspiring others to be happy and live life to the full
16. Being childish, playful and having fun
17. For my gentle heart always guiding me to be all that i am
18. Inspiration i receive from nature
19. Enjoying money and all the fun things it can bring
20. Believing in myself
21. Laughing and making others laugh… sharing joy
22. Having a relaxing massage
23. Circle + Bloom which has taught me the power of relaxation. What a gift!
24. Dancing and singing out loud to music when i am home alone
25. Stillness
Mrs. Life says
What a nice way to count the things you are grateful for! It’s nice to see blog post like this, just talking about positivity and happiness!! I’m so inspired that I can probably list a hundred!! Haha!
Darci says
1. My patient, encouraging, supportive, loving husband
2. A safe and comfortable home
3. A supportive and encouraging acupuncturist
4. My Mom and sister
5. My close friend who just announced she is pregnant but understands me.
6. My job as a teacher
7. Singing with my church ensemble
8. Music
9. Fireplaces and blankets
10. God is watching over me in my times of trial and tribulation
11. My nephews and godchildren
12. my health and continued healing
13. books
14. relaxation CD’s
15. My husband makes me laugh even when he knows I am sad.
16. Lover warm showers too
17. I still have my grandparents at 92 and 87 🙂
18. Cozy beds
19. Picnics and boat rides
20. Door County sunsets
21. chocolate chips cookies and Grandma’s sugar cookies
22. chicken noodle soup
23. My extended family and friends
24. hope and trust in God
25. Circle+ Bloom, helps me to relax and still believe