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Happy Thanksgiving: An Attitude of Gratitude



Thanksgiving is a time of year when we reflect upon what we're most grateful for. We celebrate with family, friends, and will sometimes find a moment to ourselves to just be one with the holiday spirit filling the air. We think of images like warm fireplaces, mugs of warm tea, and snuggling with those we love. This is all great and nostalgic, but what happens if we don't feel this way?

I am and always have been very sensitive to stress and often while everyone's work schedule is winding down around this time of year, mine is revving up. I dive straight from Thanksgiving into winter recitals, end of semester grading, and then right into a multitude of family events. I have a hard time setting boundaries for myself, my limits, and often feel more burnt out during this holiday season than full of love, joy and gratitude. This year with all it's ups and downs has taught me that I really need to listen to my inner guidance, know when enough is enough, and make time for resting. After a multitude of blood tests my new GYN diagnosed me with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. The diagnosis hit me like a ton of bricks and really made me realize how important it is for me to keep stress reduction and mindfulness a part of my everyday life. I stopped meditating and doing yoga regularly the last few months as a result of a busy schedule and frustration with my health. I've also been pushing through 6-7 day work weeks with stopping to breathe. This diagnosis has made me step back, re-evaluate and decide what's important for me right now. For this I am eternally grateful. 

I've spent the last 2 weeks since my diagnosis reading, looking up doctors, and taking time to really evaluate what's important to me and what I want out of life. I know that I need to take more time for myself and healing and love myself more. I care so much about how the outside world views me and my actions. I'm seeing that now the only thing that matters is that I love and accept my amazing, beautiful self just as I am. To jump start this and get myself back on a spiritual path I'm heading to the beach this holiday weekend for a self-guided yoga meditation retreat. I honestly can't wait. Just the thought of this trip has gotten back into journaling everyday. 

This blog has always been a refuge for me, a place to share my thoughts with the world and hopefully send some good karma and help to anyone who needs it. I am so thankful to you my readers for your support and love on my journey. This Thanksgiving I wish you nothing but peace, love, joy, and happiness on your journey. Take the time to honor yourself and your spirit, surround yourself with those who love and honor your values, and celebrate how amazing you are in this moment.







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