"Dear ____, thank you for ______. Sincerely, ____"

Happy Thanksgiving, bloggers!

It seemed to be a no-brainer that I write today...

Call me oldfashioned, but I believe there is no better way to express yourself than through the written word (hence the blog). To me, letter writing is a lost art and, when the opportunity presents itself, there is nothing more appropriate or appreciated than a thank you note. Remember the days of thank you notes with "dear ______, thank you for the ______. sincerely, _______"? I used to dread the task; however, in my not-so-old age I've come to really enjoy writing (and receiving) thank you notes.

I love this holiday because it is an entire day dedicated to giving thanks in the company of family, whatever form that might take. Especially in the busy world we live in, it is easy to lose sight of the everyday miracles and blessings in our lives. For example, I often catch myself focusing more on what I can improve rather than the many things for which I am thankful. Nothing brings me back to center more than a good old-fashioned thank you note, whether it be to the universe, others, or myself. Taking time to write out exactly what you are thankful for is a great meditative, centering practice. For example, today I am lucky enough to spend the holiday with my famiky in the beautiful Appalachain mountains. During a morning walk with my family, I "wrote" a mental thank you note, starting with the obvious (family, friends, health, etc.) and moving into what I observed (the creek, fresh air, animals, nature in general..). For me, it is a spiritual practice as well; although, it certainly does not have to be!

I hope that in sharing with you we can give thanks together and work with one another to live our lives as one long, meaningful thank you note.

Thanks for being YOU! You are light, you are love, you are perfect just the way you are! :)

In light and love,
Ainsley