Even though it’s Monday and you all know how I feel about
that, I LOVE that it’s finally November.
This is my most favorite time of the year. Growing up in
Massachusetts, nothing beat the crisp (non-humid) air and unbelievably gorgeous
foliage of autumn in New England. I get googly just thinking about pulling out
my jeans and coats and boots and scarves and crunching the leaves on the ground
and drinking hot tea.
I also love November because Thanksgiving is absolutely my
favorite holiday. It’s all about being grateful, giving thanks to God for our
blessings, and enjoying family and good food. It’s a focused day without much
distraction (the Armenian Telethon notwithstanding). November 23 is my mom’s
birthday, so Thanksgiving was always a double-celebration for us. Jayson and I
got married in November. So many good things to commemorate this month!
That said, I want to fully enjoy this season, so I will be
intentional about saying “no” to certain things as well. I won’t say no to
shaving because, well, No Shave November is for men (save your hairy Armenian
jokes, thankyouverymuch) and, also, that’s just gross.
1. No to getting ahead of myself with Christmas planning. I
want to enjoy this season of gratitude before letting the crazy take over.
2. No to being overly critical. This is hard for me, but I will
try my best to stay focused on the positive, or at least have a positive
outlook about my criticisms. Especially with people I don’t know. I’m so quick
to judge peoples’ actions and motives when what I should probably do is just talk
to them.
3. No to automatically turning on the tv when I want to
entertain the boys. We don’t have any electronic devices at home, but the tv is
on a lot.
4. No to eating all the leftover Halloween candy. Time to
exercise more self control.
5. No to holding myself back when I feel a prompting from the
Holy Spirit. I’m pretty good about listening and following through, but
sometimes I get nervous and hold back (especially when I feel prompted to pray
for or with someone. Out loud. In public.).
6. No to being afraid to take risks. I hate to fail, so I don’t
try. You know where that gets me? NOwhere.
7. No to going to bed too late. I’m a night owl, but I’m tired
of waking up tired. This one will probably be the hardest for me, but I will
try.
What are you saying NO to this November?
OK, I’m getting off my
shoebox now.
