Thanksgiving marks the beginning of my annual “season of reflection.” From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, I spontaneously start evaluating the past year and planning for the year ahead. I think about what brings me joy, and start letting go of the things that don’t so I have more time for the things that do.  I assess progress on the past year’s goals, and if the progress is underwheming, determine whether the goal is still important enough to keep pursuing.  I debate with myself over whether to make New Year’s Resolutions or not. (I inevitably do.)

I usually start my season of reflection by counting my blessings.  (Thanksgiving provides the perfect reminder.)  This year I have so many blessings, it will take most of the weekend to tally them all. But I’m willing to give it the old college try.  Today I am grateful for:

• dear family and friends
• almost full moons
• financial security and a home with no mortgage
• butchers who don’t laugh when I ask them to spatchcock the turkey for me
• literacy
• small kindnesses like my neighbor’s willingness to walk my dog because my hip is acting up
• the taste of fresh Meyer lemons plucked from my own tree
• warm fleece jackets to ward against the cooler autumn nights
• finding the perfect joke gift to give my husband for his birthday
• plenty of books to read, and more being written for me to read in the future….

And most importantly, I feel blessed that you have stopped by to read my blog today. Thank you! May your blessings be too many to count. Happy Thanksgiving.