Every morning, as I step outside and watch the gentle rays of the early morning sun kiss the treetops, I say thank you.
It only takes a moment. Though I have a long list of things I am grateful for, I reserve this time for the simplest sentiments.
I breathe deep and allow the cool dewy air to fill my lungs, and then exhale.
I give my gratitude to God that my eyes opened this morning so I could see another glorious sunrise.
That my body is strong enough to hold me up as I gaze upon it.
That my mind, even as it begins to drift to the next task, allows me to take it all in.
It is easy to take these simple instances for granted. We can move through our days like robots, optimizing for efficiency, robbing ourselves of the chance to marvel at the moment, no matter how mundane. We turn our focus away from what fills our lives and towards the empty spaces, always searching, always yearning.
But, when we choose gratitude, when we allow it to be the lens through which we see the world, we can see a truth that is otherwise blurry.
Just to be alive is a blessing.
When it is glorious, when it is horrible, and during all the time in between.
Because we get to see the sunrise and set each day.
We get to listen and learn and laugh and grow.
We get to love so deeply that our hearts break in two.
Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, I hope you take the time to reflect on the ordinary and the extraordinary, the sweet and the sour, and give thanks for it all.
Life, with all its messy moments, may not come wrapped in a bow, but it is still a gift.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of ours.
Happy Thanksgiving.
xx,
Brooke
I loved your article. We all do have so much to be thankful for and I am always thankful for your blogs. So uplifting. Thanks hope you have a Blessed Christmas.
I feel just as YOU!!! So GRATEFUL for so much!!! When I go to bed at night I say”THANK YOU “ and when I wake in the morning!! People take soooo much for granted!! ALWAYS enjoy your messages!!stay safe and well!!❤️❤️❤️
Is the white sheep near the front center of one photo okay? It appears as though there is a large swelling on the outside of its right hip. Thanks!
Thank You so very much for these lovely ways to begin each day and then move through the world. It reminds me of a quote - not sure who said it..."How you start your day is how you live your day and how you live your day is how your live your life." We are so very blessed to live in such a place with always changing beauty.
We all need to be reminded to pause and give thanks for all the beauty that is around us, each and every day.
Thank you for your beautiful post Brooke ❤️