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May 2009 
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!
Posted on Nov 28th, 2008
by 
Halal the Giraffe
Halal the Giraffe
I found this photo here. I love the open, airy, blowy feeling of it.
I am content. I've got a 7 or 8 year history of beginning to freak out around this time of the year, the beginning of the holiday season. I can't say exactly why, but it is related to divorcing my first husband and letting go of a massive load of naivete'. I've not put up a Christmas tree since then, nor relaxed into happy gift-giving.
This year, however, I'm reading Unplug the Christmas Machine, I'm dreaming of how I want Christmas to feel for my child, and I'm increasing my intention- and integrity-quotients around the whole dang season. It started yesterday, right? I'm ready, and I'm content.
Here are a few of the things I am particularly grateful for right now:
- my husband loosening up and appearing to have an authentically good time with my family the last few days
- the fact that giving my dad a new monitor for his computer made him very happy!
- seeing my grandmother happy and healthy today
- my cat following me around and maneuvering into my lap, even when it is already full
- a new approach to this holiday season
- plans to put up a tree for the first time in 8 years
- girlfriends - Jean, Carissa, Sarah, Adina, Kathryn, Pam...
- therapy group
- Anne Merkel
- having already completed about half of my holiday shopping, with no plans of breaking the bank
- hearing my favorite songs playing in the next room
- easy, happy times with my hubby
- the $45 I spent today at a half-price consignment store sale for 16 itmes of clothing -- that I really like. My closet is again a friendly haven.
- even though I'm not on Gaia the way I used to be, it's here when I want to connect and I trust it's intentionality
- telling mom I'm learning to knit, and having her take that as an early Christmas gift (exactly as intended)
- Mint.com
- this child
Happy Halal
Access: Public
I love this list. Good for you for changing how the holidays have been for you. I feel so happy for you – especially that you are putting up a Christmas tree! It feel like you are letting go of the past with some baggage that you don't want to carry around anymore and moving into a future that inspires you and your son. Yay!
I have been very in touch with why life is good for me this year since I decided to do a dialy gratitude practice. Right now, the main things that come to mind are:
having healthy kids, spending time with people I love, that Carly and her parents are doing great with regards to her brain tumor, that I continue to learn how to live a better life, that I know people like you who continually inspire me!
PS – Just checked out mint.com right now. It looks awesome. Am already setting up an account. Thanks for that. I also checked out your photos. He is so precious.
Lovely choice of photo. As I said to romanlily, I love both your lists. It represents to me a “glass half full” vision of the world. Right now we need to embrace that vision. Despite all the challenges we face, we are indeed very fortunate. Blessings. Otter
Beautiful. Your boy just glows with love and happiness. Just as I imagine you.
I'm grateful (beyond words, really) for the support of my Gaia friends even when I'm not here. I'm grateful for the ability of body and mind to heal. There are so many important little things– the more I look the more I find.
Much love and twinkling little Christmas tree lights,
Amanda.
Blessings to you, Yertle, Otter and Amanda… I so love seeing you here, and you increase my gratitude even more.
Love me some Mint! I'm grateful there is such a short time between when I found it (maybe a month ago?) and the end of the year, as I'm counting that as the last time I really need to update Quicken. That's become a royal pain by comparison.
Amanda, how's your girl? Last I saw, you were seeing more and more of her shine through – I hope that's continued, and I'm grateful for all of the guidance you've sought and given on that topic.
Yertle, your gratitude list has inspired me immensely, and I think my growing gratitude practice is partially due to your work. (Thanks for the mention today, btw :-).
Otter, I don't often comment, but I read your blog routinely. Along with the other ladies here, you are one of the few I have on email notification. I'm grateful for your clarity and your wit.
Rest well, all! Halal
Hey Dear One, it is so nice to read your list. Thanks for sharing it with us! FS
Hi Halal….it's always good to read what's happening in your life & to feel a bit caught up w you. Your grateful list always makes me want to write one. I'm grateful for every time you stop by Gaia! Love, Kathy