Last November was one of the most depressing times in my life. Armed with that knowledge I’ve been determined to not have a repeat this year. So far it’s been going quite well despite the crazy of my life right now. I may even have a mischievous look on my face as I drive to appointments blasting happy tunes and singing along…at the top of my lungs. Truth be told I’ve laughed out loud from sheer joy while by myself just going about my day. I’ve even had friends ask me why I’m just so happy. Well, it’s about perspective I suppose. I wrote about it here. It’s not that every thing goes perfectly…I’ve still gotten sad this month at times but I’m battling it differently. I’m being thankful for what I do have. Compared to most people in the world I have the most incredible life. Of course it’s easy to look at others lives and see only the people that have it better than you, but trust me…they have their trials and heart aches too. What you see (online especially) isn’t always the reality. Can’t we just know that? Can’t we have grace for others but also ourselves? Today is all you get. SO in light of that why be depressed?! It’s just not worth the time and energy. The other night with a bunch of friends we went around the room sharing gifts. Gifts of remembrance, gifts of laughter, gifts in autumn… We all left feeling so much happier and none the poorer for our gifts of words. Recounting the good things works effectively to boost your joy levels. Just like complaining makes you more depressed thankfulness has the opposite effect. Which are you going to choose?
If you are thankful for all the gifts in your life (and even if you’re not!) would you consider donating just $15 dollars to children today who have so much less than we do? Maybe you could take up a donation with your family or friends on Thanksgiving day and then donate it. These sweethearts have been through trauma so let’s reach out and help those who truly need it. My kiddos inspire me because while they don’t have a lot they are thankful and happy for what they do have.
UPDATE!!! 77,195.73 Who wants to push it over to 200? 😀
(Photos by: Christa Taylor) We hijacked this bike (don’t worry the owner didn’t mind) and then put it right back when we were done. It’s a vintage bike and let me tell you that Christa and I got a workout trying to move that thing! Haha but we did it! Also a big thank you to Christa for not only shooting these pictures but styling them as well.
Also I’m still looking for some willing people to be a part of the 2013 fundraising team. Do you want to help sweet orphans in India? Now is your chance! Email me at misselaini @ gmail.com (remove spaces) if you’re interested! Or if you need an end of year tax write off this is a great option. 🙂
You’re too adorable! Green is your color 🙂
::blushing:: Thanks! I love green! 🙂 Good thing since I have green eyes…
Love this outfit! That shade of green is so pretty and unusual (in a good way) to see these days. So pretty. Also a great reminder to be thankful; I love the focus on that this time of year brings.
Christa put it together! 🙂 We both love emerald green since we are green eyed ladies.
Glad you enjoyed the post. I hope to be a person that is thankful all year round and not just this time of the year but I do enjoy hearing what everyone is thankful for!
The bike is a great addition to the outfit! And I love your hair like that!! 🙂
It makes it have a story… 🙂 Thanks!
Love the joy you show! Also, green looks lovely with your pretty eyes. 😉 I especially like “Can’t we have grace for others but also ourselves? Today is all you get. SO in light of that why be depressed?! It’s just not worth the time and energy.” I struggle so hard sometimes against being depressed. This season though, like you explain here, I’m happy even though there are hard things going on in life, and several people in my life have died the past few weeks. There is so much to be thankful for amidst the pain, and keeping that truth in my heart, instead of focusing on what I don’t have, is a beautiful way to live. Living contently in the moment brings such peace to my heart. Thank you for the good reminder.
Thank you so much! I’m so sorry you struggle with depression. That is a terrible beast to fight but it can certainly be defeated by and in Christ. Several years ago I had many people die who I knew (some who had been very close friends or family) and it was a lot to take in and deal with. I’m grieved you have had to experience that recently. May Jesus comfort you in all your sorrows.
I love that the bike you hijacked matches your outfit so nicely and I think these were such great photos. I’ve been having a really rough month, myself. I think you have such encouraging friends to be proud of having. I am so glad that you have them. Beautiful outfit!
Thank you so much sweet Victoria! Yes, it was a delightful surprise that the bike coordinated so well! We totally planned that…not. 😉 I’m so grieved to hear you’ve had such a challenging month. May Jesus truly comfort your heart in a special way… I am incredibly blessed by my support network and cherish the friends that I have. Hugs to you lovely friend. xxx