reflections of thanks
It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada and I am feeling mighty thankful this year. As everyone around the world is slowly assuming some sense of the new “normal,” I can’t help but take pause and reflect on what I am truly thankful for.
As some of you already know, I have spent the last (nearly) two years of my life not only navigating a global pandemic, but I have also been battling stage three breast cancer. I have two little kids, a husband I adore, a creative practise that is beyond sacred to my well being and overall happiness, and a damn cool crew of friends & family that I’m just not ready to say goodbye to yet.
For a 35 years old, you could say I have experienced quite a few hurdles that I didn’t expect to face so young. Significant traumatic experiences have been lived through, but I’ve also had SO much good in my life. And that’s what I want to focus on today.
Yes, I could go on and on about all of the trials and hurdles and horrific things I’ve had to face. I could dive into the trauma my children have experienced, the weight my husband has had to carry, and the worry my family and friends have had to live through; month after month, appointment after appointment. But in order to live a truly grateful life, I believe I must acknowledge those difficulties, without settling into them for too long. My therapist has this five minute rule for me on hard days. I am allowed to sit in the pain and anxiety and sadness (or oftentimes, anger) for five minutes. That’s it. No more, no less. Sometimes I even set an alarm. After that, it’s time to put a pin in it, let it fly away, close the door, whatever. Anything I can visualize to get up, dry my eyes, and move on with the good that each day can bring. (If this helps anyone reading this, my job here is done. I may as well stop writing right now…)
Today I thought I’d make a list of all of the things I am most grateful for. I would LOVE to hear what you - my dear reader - are feeling thankful for at this time of year. Be sure to send me an e-mail (hello@alexmooregibsonart.com) or DM me on Instagram @alexmooregibsonart! There is power in celebrating the small wins in life.
So, without further ado:
Things I am thankful for…
This list is in no particular order… except for maybe the first few ;)
being cancer free! (obvious, but the biggest thing on my mind today…)
my kids and their deliciously chubby little feet
my husband and his Scottish accent (hello, Outlander!)
my mom and dad (and their constant thirst for learning new things)
extended family, near and far
legs & feet that move and walk and run
crisp Fall mornings
the magic of falling leaves as I walk my dog in the woods
the crackle of firewood throughout the cold months
when a creative idea enters my soul and won’t leave me alone until it comes to fruition
discovering a new artist (alive or dead) that inspires me to evolve as an artist/creative
brand new art supplies (I might be becoming a bit of a hoarder…)
hot coffee (a muffin never hurts, either)
homemade cinnamon buns
cozy blankets - vintage quilts preferred
lighting my favourite candle
books - allllll the books!
country drives
sleeping babes with rosy cheeks
jazz music - especially my deepest crush, Chet Baker
casual hangs with my crew - potluck dinners and kids up past bedtime
watching my kids get excited about something - anything!
the sound of waves in the distance
baking while watching Gilmore Girls
foraged flowers
sewing my own clothes and qu
Like I said, this list is in no particular order, nor is it a finished product. It changes each day, each season, each year. But as of tonight, these are the things that I am grateful to be alive for.
