Thankful Thursday – Ringing in a New Decade
January 7th, 2010 by michelle
Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.
Photo courtesy of FindStuff2, photobucket
The holidays are over, the New Year festivities have come and gone, and now it’s back to reality for most of us. This is often the hardest part of the year; caught in the drudgery of winter, unable to ride yet still mucking stalls and punching ice out of water buckets. It’s not so bad here in Florida (although it feels it at the moment!), but it’s still an interminable wait until the lush springtime arrives. It may not feel like it, but this is the best time of year to really dig in and be thankful. It’s easy to have gratitude when you’re surrounded by the holiday spirit or feeling nostalgic for times past. It’s a lot tougher when you’re snowed into your house and unable to enjoy the things that give you so much joy.
I’m actually quite thankful for this week’s weather. For as much as I’ve grumbled about the oppressive summer heat here, I’m definitely NOT a cold weather person and have been suffering through my normal outdoor activities resolutely. So why be thankful? Because just a few moments of a day that doesn’t reach 50 degrees makes me much more appreciative of the wonderful weather I am usually lucky enough to have.
I’m also thankful that I just got the chance to spend almost two weeks enjoying life – playing with my dog and horse, going out with friends, reading. It has been a long time since I’ve taken off work to just “hang out” and it was well worth it. (I think Grady was thankful too!) I have returned refreshed and with a new sense of excitement and purpose for the upcoming year.
I am excited about the start of a new decade and all it has to offer up on its gleaming clean slate. My mind is brimming with ideas for how I want to fill it – and I am thankful that I have the opportunities to seize my dreams.
Photo courtesy of ianmorris1982, photobucket
Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:
Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.
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Kristen - January 7, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Hi, I’m going to participate in my today’s entry. I’ll link your blog on to it as well (if I’m doing this correct)
Love the positivity!
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen - January 7, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Look at all those beautiful snowy pictures! Not quite snow weather here in FL – but it has been nippy, hasn’t it?!
Glad you had some nice time off! 
greyhorsematters - January 7, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Your pictures are beautiful. I love snowy scenes (from inside mostly). I hear from friends and relatives of mine that you’re having some cold weather down there. I’m sure it won’t last. Isn’t it nice to have a few weeks off to just play. Good for you, your perspective on the new decade to come is very upbeat and I’m sure you’ll accomplish great things with that mindset.
As always on a Thankful Thursday I’m just thankful to be able to do what I want at this stage of the game and enjoy my animals and family.
Arlene-travelcloseup - January 7, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Enjoyed your post. As always, beautiful pictures. It is true about the cold. Really makes us appreciate how good we have it most of the time here in Florida. Meantime, I am keeping my snuggies and cocoa handy. And I guess I am thankful to have those!
hazem - January 7, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I love the positivity you have for the coming year, keep up the good spirit.
juliette - January 7, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Thanks Michelle, again, for reminding us all to be grateful. I am down here with you all in Florida, but my Mom is seeing scenes like your photos. I am so thankful that I have her to take care of the boys. I can relax and know they are well cared for while I am away.
Lisa - January 8, 2010 at 10:18 am
Lovely pictures and wonderful new look on the blog – has it been so long since I last visited?
billie - January 8, 2010 at 10:28 am
That second photo is like a meditation! Thank you!
Laughing Orca Ranch - January 8, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for the reminder to be thankful. We all do have at least something to be thankful, if only we dig a little deeper (and not into the snow! lol!)
The photos you chose are gorgeous! Do you ever miss the snow?
~Lisa
michelle - January 8, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Kristen, Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursdays movement and thanks also for linking up to me! I’ve found that doing Thankful Thursday keeps me really focused on looking for the good in everything and that goes a long way towards making a happier life. Hope you enjoy participating!
Jenn, it may not LOOK like those photos here in Florida, but it sure brings back memories of being in the cold and snowy north. Yesterday I had to actually chip ice off my windshield! Brrr…My condolences to all you northerners!
GHM, thanks for the support! There is a lot to be said for enjoying what we have in life. Striving towards goals is nice, but it’s important to remember at the end of the day what we actually HAVE. You have a great perspective on this.
Arlene, I love that you’re thankful for your snuggies and cocoa! That reminds me, I’m really thankful for my plush comforter that I’ve been toting all around the house for the week! Nothing beats being snuggled up under that thing!
michelle - January 8, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Thanks, Hazem! I like to think that I can spread a bit of positivity around once in awhile. Or so I hope! =)
Juliette, I know you have to be feeling pretty lucky right now to be missing the horrific cold up north! And your wonderful mom is so great to take care of the boys for you while you’re gone. I’m glad you’re having a great trip!
Thanks for coming back, Lisa! I’ve missed you! =) It hasn’t been that long since the site update – just since Christmas. I’m glad you like it!
Billie, I love that photo too. Something about it is just so peaceful and serene.
Lisa, you are very right. Even if we’re having the worst day, there is still something to be gained from it, even if it is just the lesson we learn. Remembering that is the key to having a happy life. And YES, I do miss the snow – in some ways. Not the shoveling, driving, freezing part of it. And certainly not the “horsey” part of it (although I’m quite enjoying all the snow photos I’m seeing on all the blogs). But I miss the quiet breathing of the world after a snowstorm. I miss seeing my tracks in the snow and watching my dog frolic in it. I miss wood fires and icicles. Hmmm….am I seeing a winter trip up north in my future?