"NO"vember

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.