Four ways to Find the Silver Lining This Thanksgiving Week.
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
I just explained the meaning of this quote to my 14-year old daughter. She was asked to share a “silver lining” from the obvious dark cloud hanging over 2020 in one of her distance learning classes. A silver lining is a sign of hope or a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation. It suggests that there’s hope or something good to be found in every bad situation.
I want to start by acknowledging that moving through 2020 has inevitably presented you with a bad situation. Or two. Or three. I feel that with you. As we move into Thanksgiving week I understand you might be limited in what you can do, who you can see and how you can celebrate. Me too. So what’s the silver lining?
Perhaps this year you use the obstacle as an opportunity to do something you may not have otherwise done. Perhaps this year enables you to slow down and celebrate in a way that enables you to more deeply connect with a few and gives you time to care for YOU.
Here are a few ideas that might just be a silver lining or perhaps help you find one.
1. Take time for yourself.
Spend some time to really map out WHO you want to be THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. What does she look like? How is she fueling her body? How is she spending her time? How does she respond in every situation? These are questions I often process through in my journal and they guide me through my circumstances enabling me to become the best version of me.
2. love well this holiday season.
Without a doubt your Thanksgiving week is looking different in some way. You may be far from loved ones. Many might not be able to gather. So here are some ideas to still love well while things have changed.
•Take time to create meaningful gifts.
•Write letters to loved ones and friends.
•Send coffee or flowers, even a meal through an app.
3. Grow your wisdom and faith.
In some ways the year of COVID has enabled an opportunity to slow down. I sometimes busy myself just to escape or numb this current reality. However, the time does enable an incredible opportunity to grow in the areas that matter most. If we focus on the foundation of our faith we cannot be shaken. Here are some ideas.
•Write a love letter to YOU.
•Buy yourself a NEW JOURNAL.
•Buy yourself a NEW BIBLE.
•Take some time to read a good book.
•Wake up EARLIER and spend time with YOU and the HOLY SPIRIT!
4. Intentionally connect even though we are disconnected.
“We were born to reign. We were born to take the lead – in our own hearts, in our own minds! “
These are lyrics to the newest song by my friend Ivory Layne (Nashville songwriter!) She built an online community for her latest music video – take a look and see if you can find me and my girls!
Now is the time to gather around the other “Queens” and “Kings” in your life. Take the lead! There’s still community and memories to be made.