Cultivating Gratitude
It’s barely November, but my mind is already heading to January. I know from a lifetime of experience that the last two months of the year have a way of zipping by in a flash. It takes mindful intention to slow the pace. It’s not that I slow down actual time (I’m not an Avenger!); I just need to remember to pay attention and be present.
A good way for me to do that is to practice gratitude. I know that Thanksgiving – the holiday – has come under fire for the historical events it celebrates. However, I find that thanksgiving – the practice – is a very important activity for my own mental wellbeing, and how I bring myself to my community.
It is indeed and “active-ity.” I actively articulate the things and people and events that I am thankful for. My heart swells with gratitude and love. It overflows, and I have more to share.
In my personal life, I am grateful for my husband of 23 years, who supports me in all my crazy endeavors. I am grateful for my two sons, who are very different from each other, and in that way, complete our family. I am grateful to live in Santa Barbara, where I can feel the sun on my face and sand in my toes. I am grateful for my girlfriends who make me laugh till I cry, and are with me when I cry until I can laugh again.
In my Apples to Zucchini life, I am grateful for my amazing staff. Jeff, Jill, Julia, Dena and Cristina are the heart and soul of the organization. I am grateful for Garden Street Academy – we are so blessed to have a teaching kitchen, garden and office located in the prettiest spot in town. I am grateful to Sam Edelman and the Farmers Market for providing nourishing, delicious produce, and a place where we can connect with and grow our community. I am grateful to the Brewers at Grocery Outlet for providing us with affordable groceries. I am grateful for the Library, especially the Eastside Library (shout out to Ahmad Merza!) and the Van on the Go (Catalina and Taylor!), for bringing us into their programs. I am grateful for our team of volunteers who make our classes possible. And I’m grateful to our donors – foundations, businesses, individuals and the State of California – for making all this possible.
As we head into “the holiday season” with its hustle and bustle (and even Black Friday tussles!), take time to pause and find your gratitude. When someone asks, “How are you?” pause. How are you? Are you feeling grateful? If so, take a moment, be intentional, share your gratitude. “I am grateful to have you in my life.” If you’re traveling to see loved ones, and the airport is packed, and you have to wear your mask for endless hours, remind yourself – “I am grateful that I have loved ones to visit.”
Gratitude is like a muscle. The more your exercise it, the stronger it gets.
What are you grateful for?
