Being Thankful

So I went back and looked at some of my old blog posts.

I can't believe that I created this site 6 years ago.

This all got started because I had a crazy idea to do something out of my comfort zone.

Coming into the finishing chute at the 2021 Patriot Half...just a few days after my 51st birthday!

I called it the BHAG! The Big Hairy Audacious Goal.

My BHAG was to participate (and finish) Ironman Mont Tremblant for my 50th birthday in 2020.

Was a long, strange trip it has been.

The purpose of this blog was to give myself an outlet for what I was feeling as I trained for the IM. And as my faithful readers have discovered, that did not happen--the IM, not my rantings.

Nor will it, as the full distance IM was discontinued at Mont Tremblant.

But since that time, I've continued to write about what has been going on in this crazy life of mine.

My career shift. No longer competing in triathlon (I'm not going to say never, but my last tri was in 2021). Hitting that big 5-0 milestone in the midst of Covid. Menopause. Life with an autistic child, soon to be high school graduate. Amazing friends. Fun family stuff. Epic $#!%.

See crazy.

But through it all, one thing has stayed true. My appreciation of my friends and family as I take on these crazy adventures, and live my life.

One of those crazy events...riding the Erie Canal Trail with my friends in 2024.

So as I looked back on the over 100 posts (121 to be exact), I discovered that I had not written one specifically about being thankful.

Grateful... appreciative...blessed. Whatever you want to call it.

Five Novembers--6 if you include this one--and nothing about what this time of year should be about.

We are currently 2 weeks away from Thanksgiving, and it seems like the appropriate time to write that post...about being thankful.

Several friends post daily on their social media what they are thankful for during this month. I thought about that, but let's face it...that isn't me.

I'm not one to drip, drip, drip.

It's go full blast and let the chips fall where they may.

I have many friends and family that will vouch for this.

At some point every day, I have a moment where I realize just how lucky I am.

Sure I complain about work, my kids, my husband. But in the grand scheme...I am blessed beyond words.

Even when I am running from one appointment, to a meeting, to the school to pick up a kid, to another appointment to drop off a kid, etc., I am one lucky lady.

Now that doesn't mean that it could all come crashing down tomorrow, but until that happens, I feel like I need to share my blessings with others.

Sure, I donate to charity, give food at the food drive, do all the things I'm supposed to do.

But what about checking on a friend, who is going through some medical issue.

Or a family member who is trying to stop smoking?

Helping out a family who's heat went out and pipes froze.

Taking a meal to a neighbor who lost their job. Or more than that...just talking to your neighbor.

Going for a walk with a friend who just needs to vent.

Calling a friend who you know stuggles with this time of year.

Hang out with your friends' kids (a.k.a. babysit) so she can have a moment to herself.

What I'm trying to say is that November is a great time to START paying it forward. And I say start, because it shouldn't end on Black Friday (a.k.a. the day after Thanksgiving).

Every day, we should count our blessings, and do a little something for someone else. Maybe it is as simple as holding the door open for someone. Even a smile and good morning could brighten someone's day.

My son's Scout troop at the end of their Urban Hike in Boston. This is the MLK Memorial, called "Embrace."

The movie Pay it Forward was a great reminder to do something similar to what the Scouts do..."do a good turn daily".

Whether you believe in God or a higher power or not, we are all born with certain gifts and talents. And we should use them to the fullest.

As Americans, we are very generous people, giving of our time and treasure to those less fortunate, because let's face it...most Americans, just by the fact of living in this country, have hit the mother lode.

But we sure do treat each other like crap--especially if we don't act, speak, look or think the same way.

And that is sad.

So...I challenge you to be grateful for what you have...even if it is only a roof over your head.

Do something good today...and everyday...forever.

Me, leaving Aberdeen, Scotland, and heading for the Shetland Islands this past June.

Even if you don't feel like it.

Give someone a hug. Call your mom. Play a game with your kid (even though you hate Super Smash Bros. and don't understand how to play it). Say thank you.

Fake it until you make it.

I'll start...thank you for being on this journey with me, and reading these random thoughts I have. I appreciate you.

Now, as a friend of mine like's to say...

Be good humans.

Now, excuse me while I help B make dinner for a friend and her kids, so she can relax for a few minutes.