Each of our journeys will be unique. Each of our journeys, if we want them to lead to our true potential, and experience a contentment we doubted was possible, will take courage. It will require thinking for ourselves, it will require stepping outside the "this is what is done" box more than once or twice in order to discover what truly is in alignment with who we are and what we can uniquely bring to the world. 

 

This Thanksgiving and the previous two Thanksgivings I have spent on my own - intentionally and with great appreciation for the opportunities, insight and enjoyment I have found (last year it was spent in grand Devon, England, - a trip that still brings me great joy to remember - and the previous year was in Bend, my first Thanksgiving in Bend, in fact).

 

Some readers, having just learned this about my Thanksgivings and who are new TSLL blog and/or this newsletter, may initially say - That's sad or Why would you do that? or How could that be enjoyable?. But the truth is, for many Thanksgivings, it wasn't always the joyful celebration that is depicted and talked about by others, the media, etc. It wasn't bad, it wasn't miserable, it just felt forced and became a day of feeling uncomfortable when all I truly wanted was to be with my immediate family or good friends. Now, there were a few Thanksgivings that I did indeed enjoy most definitely, and those were at my parents' home in Wallowa County (Mom, we should have more there in the future), but because Wallowa County is literally at the end of the state highway, and the roads require a steady and alert driver, it's difficult for many people to travel in November. But I will always come to Thanksgiving in Wallowa County. 

 

Now, I will acknowledge, my luxury is that I am not married nor do I have children, so I can design my holidays as I desire - but so too can we all no matter what our relationship status, simply in our own way. In the past, I only had a few days of a holiday break from teaching, and I was exhausted, and the additional two days off welcomed more stress than respite, so upon arriving in Bend, I said nope. Now that I have a week off for Thanksgiving, I have taken advantage of traveling during this time, as well as planning blog/book business and events. Which leads me to this Thanskgiving - it is the best possible reason to be staying in Bend for Thanksgiving and then traveling to see my family on Saturday to have our own little celebration as TSLL's 2nd book is now released and book readings and signings are scheduled for this weekend. 

 

You see, along my journey I have found more peace, more reason to celebrate, more calm within myself especially during those moments and choices I make that may not make sense to the outside world. For me, after thoughtful consideration, they make complete sense to me and the life I love living and sharing with others, and they have also strengthened my relationships with those who truly love and respect my journey and I them for their generosity and support, as well as their journeys. 

 

If all we do is go along even when it doesn't feel right, we are not honoring our journey. The path to "feeling well" within our skin doesn't just happen, but in order for it to happen, we have to find the courage to enjoy and experience life in our own way that we might truly be living each and every day. 

 

If by sharing my story of the past three years helps to encourage you to step outside of what is expected, I am happy to do so. If you are someone who has joyful Thanksgivings with whom you gather, I am so extremely happy for you. May be all have such Thanksgivings each and every year. And if my sharing does nothing else, hopefully it gives perspective to the many ways people can live their lives and enjoy the holidays. I want to thank you for reading and being supportive of anyone who is finding their unique way so that they can bring their awesomeness to the world. May we all remember we are learning as we go, and the biggest lesson we are learning is how to reach our full potential, all the while being kind to one another but not forgetting to be kind to ourselves.

 

Thank you for subscribing to TSLL's weekly newsletter, and may this holiday season begin with excitement and hope that is realized as the season unfolds. ​​​​​​​

 

One last reminder, I have two book signings and a reading as well this weekend (all the dates, times and locations are just below), and I look forward to meeting you if you have the opportunity to stop by. Be sure to share pics of your own simply luxurious life with TSLL's new book on Instagram if you'd like as I am compiling a post to be shared the last week of December and hope to include yours along with the many other TSLL readers. Have a wonderful weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog! 

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