November 1, 2011

30 Day Challenge~Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.
                                                 ~W.J. Cameron


What can you do in 30 days?   Take a moment to watch this short video...


Wow, right?  After seeing this video posted on PlantPostings recently, I got to thinking about what challenge might be in my immediate future.   With Christmas music playing in the background as I shopped today, it occurred to me that I'm likely to rush through the Thanksgiving holiday without landing on it with intention.  

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as 
frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.  
                                                                                                                                                                  ~Edward Sandford Martin


In this short season, I commit to thanksgiving...for the next 30 days I will post a photograph and sentiment that I'm thankful for.  Most will be from my garden but I have a feeling as my heart softens toward gratitude, I'll see that it surrounds me in more places and ways than not.   
I invite you to join the 30 day challenge...

Be the change you wish to see in the world.  
                                                                                                                                        ~Gandhi


Today I'm thankful for the fall aster blooming and the pollinators that eagerly visit. 
After the summer we've had, I think the pollinators are thankful too!



17 comments:

  1. Thanks for the nudge Cat. My favorite idea from that short talk: 30 days are going to pass whether you want them to or not -- may as well do something with them.

    So much easier to digest than "do something with your life" -- 30 days I can relate too, while my "life" is too abstract.

    BTW, I could watch TED videos all day long. There are so many inspiring and though-provoking videos there.

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  2. Cat, this is a great idea! My family is making a Tree of Thanks on which we hang a sentiment each day of something we are thankful for. I like the idea of posting something for 30 days too!

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  3. Hi Cat! I'm in! I loved this and I love your idea so I'm joining you in the 30 Day challenge "I will post a photograph and sentiment that I'm thankful for ...".

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  4. I agree, Alan...so much easier to take something a slice at a time rather than thinking so abstractly. I'm excited about this challenge...I drifted off last night thinking of things I'm grateful for and woke this morning thinking the same...this just might change my heart! I hope you'll join me.

    Karin, so glad you're on board! I hope you'll post about your Tree of Thanks too. It sounds awesome and I'd love to see it!

    Christine, Yay! So glad you'll join me! This should be fun and attitude changing!

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  5. Hi Cat, Let me share a secret with you. I tried to be a vegetarian for 21 days. Guess what I consumed on the 22nd day. You saw the sweets Ted showed, right? LOL! Perhaps 30 days would have been more effective.

    This is a good reminder. I have been thinking of posting a photo each day with a self written quote. You may have noticed that I have been doing that but haphazardly in 2 different blogs. To join in the challenge, I shall attempt to post a photo with a quote 'almost daily' till the end of the month. They may or may not include word of thanks depending...

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  6. @One, Yes, I did notice that pile of candy! I'm happy you'll be joining us. I have enjoyed your posts. I don't know how you're keeping up with two blogs though! You've got amazing stamina!

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  7. Okay...I'm going to give this a go and challenge myself for 30 days. Is that consecutive days? JK....I will start tomorrow. I love the aster photo!!

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  8. Looking forward to learning more about what you're thankful for, Amy! Your garden is gorgeous right now. I know you'll come up with some spectacular moments!

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  9. Great idea! Right now I'm all over the place. I probably won't even be home for all of those days, so I'll just sit on the sideline and watch. I know you'll have a great time doing this!

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  10. Honestly, HolleyGarden, I don't know how I'm going to pull this off! Wing and a prayer!

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  11. hermosa imagen!!! comparto la frase de Gandhi, acerca de que el cambio debe comenzar en nosotros. Un abrazo!

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  12. This is a great idea.

    It's such a busy time, not sure I could post something everyday, for 30 days.
    Might give it a bit of a try.

    There is so much I have to be thankful for.

    Thanks for the challenge.

    Great photo...as usual.

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  13. I also saw this video at PlantPosting and have been thinking about the various challenges I would like to do...looking forward to being part of yours...

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  14. Cat: Thanks for the mention. I'm so glad the video has resonated so much with our garden blogger community! We'll have to send a communal thanks to Matt and TED. Based on my recent post, it's probably obvious posting a photo a day won't work for me at this point in my life/season. ;-) But I'll be rooting for you on the sidelines, like Holley! Cheers!

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  15. Love this post, Cat. I've actually read it several times now, something I rarely do. Each time my mind seems to land on the words: "it occurred to me that I'm likely to rush through the Thanksgiving holiday without landing on it with intention." Those words resonate within me. Every year I vow to slow down and reflect on my blessings more during this season. I think this is the year I will do it. I have much to be grateful for. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
    You might consider adding a linky list of some kind so that we can enjoy others posts who are taking the challenge.

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  16. Linda, join when you can! This is meant to inspire and encourage...Interpret as you need. Mostly, hoping to help everyone to stop for a moment and reflect on what we're thankful for!

    Hi, Donna. I read your recent post and I see you have lots of goals set for this upcoming season. I wish you the best in achieving them and being the light that you desire. Welcome, glad you've decided to join in!

    I'm so glad you posted the video, Beth. It really got me off my chair and ready to do something! I loved it...love TED actually, but thank you. Thanks for your encouragement.

    Carolyn, thank you for your kind words. TWG is meant to inspire and that you stayed and reread the post so many times means a lot to me. We all need to inspire and encourage each other. Welcome to the challenge! I'll pop in at Blotanical with a message about the linky thing...never have used it.

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  17. What a wonderful thought Cat! Life just seems to go by so fast that we don't stop and appreciate what we have today...right now...what's in front of us. Thank you for reminding me to look at each day as a gift. And I, too, will look for something each day to be thankful for. I look forward to traveling your journey with you.

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