I appreciate that November’s Photo Blogging Challenge theme = Gratitude. Our run of unhappy events that started in October continued through November. So having this topic in the back of my mind reminded me that not everything is going sideways! 🙂
My November news feed included several stories on the theme of gratitude. For example, a recent Forbes article states, “Studies show that cultivating gratitude not only improves mental health but also boosts physical health, enhances relationships, and increases resilience in the face of adversity.” Reading further, I was pleased to discover I already practice several techniques of Appreciative Inquiry (AI – ;)). These include journaling, noting moments of joy, and nurturing a close relationship with Nature.
One article, published in The Guardian, highlights a “gratitude 2.0” trend on social media, with posts describing “what a privilege it is to” have some sort of experience. This one left me puzzling whether it’s actually more of a “humble bragging 2.0” trend!!
Finally, a report in the Academy of Management journal reminded me of the power of saying “thanks” – whether in person, via text, an old-fashioned card or an email thanking someone in advance. As an action item, I’ve got a short list of people I plan to circle back to in December. I thanked each of them in the moment, but a more tangible expression of gratitude seems appropriate.
Enough reflecting!! Time for the main purpose of this post – five photos depicting moments when I experienced gratitude this month:
1. A Solid List of Contacts
Over the past 35+ years of home ownership, we’ve assembled a pretty solid list of contacts. So when I walked into our utility room one morning and saw water under the furnace, I knew just who to call. The issue was diagnosed over the phone (overflowing condensate tank – not critical) and repaired within a few days (a part had to be ordered).
Also this month we finally found an electrician that we’re really happy with. And we referred our favorite plumber to our neighbour, whose poly B pipes started failing.
2. Two (sore) Left Feet
It’s kind of a strange coincidence that three of us making up our household wear the same shoe size. generally don’t wear one another’s shoes. But one day early this month, K and I caught the bus into town to go out for a late lunch. K was wearing brand new shoes. Unfortunately, they had a manufacturing glitch that rubs on the heel. Within a few hundred feet of getting off the bus, K was limping. We swapped shoes. I had thicker socks, so made it somewhat further before a blister started to form.
I snapped this photo of our feet under the restaurant table to remind myself how fortunate we are to be able to swap shoes, if needed.
3. Good Food
I am always grateful for good food. I minimize the burden of food prep by having the same lunch almost every day. A large plate of mixed vegetables (aka salad) with some protein on the side. Late this month, I almost did a jig in the produce section of Costco when I discovered kalettes were in stock! They are one of my favorite cruciferous salad vegetables. But they’re only available around Christmas time.
4. Photodynamic Therapy
Full disclosure – I was not feeling much gratitude for photodynamic therapy the week before my session (when I had to apply Efudex to my face 2x/day). Nor did I feel thankful the 10 days after the photodynamic therapy treatment, when my face was so sore and red that I didn’t want to eat or drink or smile. But I do appreciate there are treatments to do away with (pre) basal cell carcinoma cells (i.e. prevent/treat basal cell skin cancer).
I grew up in the sunny Okanagan Valley before sun block was a thing. The sun damage has taken decades to start to show. Despite slathering myself in high SPF lotions for the last 30+ years, my dermatologist said it was time for more active measures. I took this selfie while seated before the treatment lamp, with blackout goggles on. Hence the weird angle and the fact I really only caught my throat and the ends of my hair in the frame!
5. Late Arrival of Winter
The first half of November was a delight. Although most deciduous trees shed their leaves by mid-October, we had unseasonably warm temperatures and lots of sunshine well into November. On Sunday, Nov 17, I was outside planting wildflower seeds when I spotted this lady bug. The next day, it snowed 10 cm (4 inches) and we’ve had snow and more snow ever since! I got lucky with my timing on the seeds – they should overwinter under their blanket of snow and sprout in the spring!
As always, I am grateful for family, friends and my fellow PBC bloggers. To see what came up on their gratitude radars this month, head over to the link up at the bottom of host PJ’s post.
While you’re there, please consider joining us for this month’s challenge. You need 5 photos and a blogging platform. Whether you add any words is entirely up to you! I will update this post with the monthly theme as soon as it’s posted.