Set your table with gratitude.

thankfulness

There can be a quiet beauty in the act of setting a table.

Whether it’s for a tea party with friends, non-event dinner with you and your spouse, or even just for yourself, laying out a cloth, placing dishes, and lighting a candle becomes more than a task—it’s a ritual of welcome.

You’re invited.

Each plate becomes an invitation. Each napkin, a whisper of care.

In a world that often rushes past moments of connection, preparing a table says, “I’ve made space for you—and for this moment.” For example, this week Rob and I shared a roast beef meal in a spot we don’t usually sit, and with candles lit. We made “space” for time together…

I’ve made space for you.

Gratitude flows into the folds of this endeavor. As we smooth the fabric and pour the tea, we’re also offering our thanks—for the presence of others, for the beauty in the small things, and yes, for the gift of being together. It could easily be otherwise.

Even in solitude, this practice of making space carries power. Setting a place for yourself speaks of self-compassion.

It’s a reminder that you, too, are worthy of beauty, of pause, of presence. A simple tray, a pretty cup, a bloom in a jar—these become thank-you notes written in gesture instead of words.

“Thank You” written in a gesture.

So today, consider setting your table slowly.

Whether it’s a battered wooden table, a sleek modern surface or just a corner of your desk, prepare it as a space of intention:

Let your table reflect your heart—grateful, generous, and open.

You might tuck a blessing under a plate, scribble a note of thanks to slip in your journal, or simply breathe in the peace of being ready to receive love. Because hospitality, at its deepest level, is a form of love—and every table, lovingly laid, becomes an open door for gratitude.

and for my junk journaling friends and those who love paper – here’s a #fridayfreebie digital to play with…

Click here for three journal cards

And click here for four little fairies…

and for the labels – click here

Never Too Grown Up to Enjoy the Books That Grew Us

thankfulness

I pulled a slightly battered book out of a box the other day—you know, the kind with soft, yellowed pages and a cover that brought a flood of memories. It wasn’t about the physical object, well… not completely. What moved me were the stories in that book – I remembered the feelings I had while reading them at different times of my life since childhood.

It’s funny how the stories we once loved still know how to find us.

Some childhood books are etched into our memories: tales of talking animals, brave adventurers, or gentle friends who reminded us we mattered. Other books we may barely remember—but that’s no reason not to revisit them.

And if we never had “those” books growing up?

What a joy it is to discover them now! (Yes, I have found some of those too!)

Remember – it’s never too late to meet a new story that enchants your soul. It’s never too late to find a book to cherish. There’s always time to surround ourselves with stories that will shape who we are…

Read – reread – and take it all in!

There’s something quietly profound in re-reading the books that shaped us. And finding new ones also…

As adults, we bring fresh eyes to familiar pages. We see new lessons in old stories. And sometimes, what once felt magical now feels like wisdom wrapped in whimsy. In those moments, I find myself deeply thankful—for authors who poured truth into simple tales, and for the gift of reading itself.

I’m grateful for the way those books grew my heart, stirred my imagination, and taught me about bravery, kindness, and hope.

Sometimes we think we must “graduate” from children’s stories. But perhaps growing up isn’t about outgrowing the wonder of simple stories —it’s about carrying it all with us.

So, if your heart is tired, or you’re longing for a little gentle inspiration, may I gently suggest you pick up a children’s book? One you loved… or one you’ve never read. Let it speak to the part of you that still believes in joy to come…

Because you’re never too grown up to enjoy the books that grew you.

And you’re certainly never too old to grow again.

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and for my friends who like to make things from paper –

here is this week’s freebie of two fairies and the fairy door….

Click here to download the pdf…

Letting Go of What No Longer Fits to Get to a Goal

thankfulness

Letting Go of What No Longer Fits

Two weeks ago (or so), our daughter celebrated a milestone birthday. She’s already lived an interesting life—full of accomplishments, learning, and meaningful experiences. Her profession has taken her in many directions, offered abundant lessons, and continues to provide a stable income.

But she’s not the same person she was when she first became an adult. That was more than two decades ago. She’s grown, developed, and I imagine she’ll continue to change over the next twenty years too.

One thing is certain:

Positive change requires letting go.

To move forward, we need to release what no longer fits.

That’s been true for me.
And I’m guessing it’s true for you too.

We all need to make space for the future by loosening our grip on the past.
I’ve had to let go of the little girl I gave birth to, the teen with whom I had emotional clashes, and the confident young woman who stepped out on her own at twenty.

The beauty of letting go?

There’s something greater ahead.

Yes, our daughter is a wonderful adult.
(I often say that adult children are awesome!)

Celebrating all the “letting go” with a Tea Party

For her birthday, I had the joy of hosting an afternoon tea party with a few of her friends.

These young women (young to me—LOL) are in the thick of life. They’re navigating partnerships, education, careers, children, aging parents, and changing environments.

And whether they realize it or not, they’re also learning to let go—because letting go creates space to invest in what’s to come.

“…a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:6

That verse speaks to every part of life: from how we gather around a meal, to how we decorate, garden, declutter—and even to what we made at the tea party.

Creating Fascinators—and Choosing What to Keep

At the tea, we made “fascinator” hats—fancy headpieces that perch playfully on the head. Picture feathers, beads, florals, and lots of frills attached to a sturdy base.

Imagine trays filled with every sort of embellishment, just waiting to be chosen. Each woman selected her own materials—but not all were happy with their first picks. Some might’ve made different choices with the benefit of hindsight.

Reflecting on our choices is part of the creative process.

At first, all the possibilities feel thrilling: feathers, netting, lace, sparkles, blooms…

But here’s the truth: not everything can go on the fascinator.
It would be far too heavy to wear.

And some elements, while beautiful on their own, just don’t fit. They compete with the main idea or throw off the balance. Even the loveliest things sometimes need to be gently set aside.

The Same Is True in Life

The Illusion of “More”
We often hold onto things—outdated habits, unrealistic routines, fear of future challenges and the pain of lost opportunities—because they once seemed essential. Maybe they helped in a former season. Maybe they made sense at the time.

But “more” isn’t always better.
In fact, it’s often distracting. And heavy.

True growth often looks more like refining than accumulating.

Grace in the Discard Pile

Letting go doesn’t have to mean regret. Or loss.
It means recognizing that something no longer belongs in the design of our life—at least, not in this season.

And here’s the shift: we can release with gratitude.

We can say:
“Thank you for what you taught me.”
“Thank you for being part of the journey.”
“And now I let you go so something new can shine.”

Even the prettiest embellishments don’t belong on every fascinator.
And not every habit belongs in every season of life.

What Are You Carrying That No Longer Fits?

Is something cluttering your heart or mind that once felt necessary but now feels burdensome?

Maybe it’s perfectionism.
Maybe it’s the habit of comparison.
Maybe it’s the belief that you need to do more to be worth more.

Could today be the day you thank it—and then lovingly let it go?

A Journal Prompt for Your Heart

As you create today—whether you’re preparing a meal, tidying your space, or crafting something new—pause and reflect:

What am I holding onto that no longer adds to the design of my life?
What could I create space for, if I let that go?

Letting go isn’t failure—it’s refinement.
It’s how a masterpiece comes to life.

And when we let go with gratitude, we open our hearts to even greater beauty on the path ahead.

We’re on our way to a new goal…

A Scripture to Hold Close

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”
—Philippians 3:13–14

You can download the journaling card above, if you’d like… click here.

And for my fellow paper-crafters:

If you’re interested in making some fun paper items – like I did in this video – here are some free digital downloads – enjoy!

4 ladies wearing fascinators – on a pink background – click here

4 jane Austin style black and white silhouettes – click here

silhouette ovals on pink background – cick here

Are you looking toward the sunshine?

thankfulness

One of the ascribed quotes from poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” This quote may be especially relevant today as we navigate our turbulent world. Or maybe it’s as relevant today as it has been all along since Whitman wrote it.

Consider:

Where are you looking?

Are you looking toward the sunshine?

Where’s your attention? Are you focused toward what’s good, noting the positive around you – yes, in your immediate vicinity? There has to be something good. Something wholesome. Where is that part of your experience which holds hope and promise and can bring a smile to your face…

Look that way.

Of course there are problems. For sure, there are concerns. Those aspects of life are always with us. However, it’s not necessary to only focus on the concerns, negativity, tragedies and absurdities. If we only look at the shadows, life will, by default, seem dark. Or darker.

Here’s a challenge for all of us – face toward the sunshine in life. Metaphorically speaking.

Be thankful for the light.

We can keep our face turned in the direction of the light, even while we deal with the shadows, when it’s warranted, all with the support of others.

If you need to be reminded, download this quote image – post it somewhere to read when you need it… Or use it in your journaling.

Click HERE to download the image.

Do Good – yes, you do have time.

thankfulness

It’s time to do good. I know, the proper grammar for this statement might be to “do well”, but really, I’m referring to “do something beneficial to and for each other” as opposed to the idea of quality of performance.

And yes, we need to do good for and to ourselves also. Don’t just think of the fleeting pleasure of a fancy coffee or a hot soak with sweet smelling bubbles… think of Big Picture Good — what will make a difference in your whole life and beyond that into eternity? Do that!

Start with love. How can you treat your “neighbor” with kindness?

We do have the time and the ability to do something good…

What will that “do good” be?

Here’s an idea – make a list of options. For yourself, for your loved ones, friends and more…

Work down that list, marking off when the opportunity and follow-through happens. Add to the list regularily.

Pay attention to when others “do good” for you – try to pass it along.

This “do good” is not just another keep busy task.

It has a higher purpose.

A greater good can come from this pursuit.

And it can begin small, begin close, begin in a widening circle…

I can’t tell you what your “do good” will be. That’s your pursuit.

As a Christian I believe I can ask God for help to know where and what good I should do. And if I begin with the simple gift of His Son’s summation of all the laws, then I’m on a good path…

The book of Proverbs in the Bible has solid indicators on what’s good – or the opposite. In the free digitals linked below there are some Proverbs about love…

Check out the free digitals!

Click on the links to download them for yourself. And If you’re a crafting person like me, you could even make your own cascading waterfall pocket to go into something… The video on how to make them is on YouTube – click for that link.

Time to do Good Proverbs

Time to do Good – blanks

Time to do Good Hearts

Stop responding with thankfulness.

thankfulness

Yes. You read that correctly: Stop responding with thankfulness.

Why?

Responding with thankfulness isn’t sustainable.

Wow.

Are you shocked I’m saying this?

Just wait for a second and hear me out…

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful.

When thankfulness is most needed, it may be the hardest to wrangle, grab, find…

Yes. We need the benefits of thankfulness (physical, mental and spiritual), but when life is hard…

when tragedy interrupts the flow of our wonderful existence,

when even the basics are scarce,

when stuff isn’t going to get better… or at least it seems that way,

being thankful, and brimming with gratitude is still important in our life.

Ah, yes. (insert big sigh here)

So, did you catch it yet?

The key word in this whole article is “respond“.

Don’t respond with thankfulness – rather, make thankfulness a Discipline.

That’s “discipline” with a capital D.

• Discipline: the controlled behavior.
• plus Discipline: activity or experience that provides mental or physical training.
• and finally, Discipline: a branch of knowledge.

The Discipline of Thankfulness will get you through the really sucky, hard, unimaginable quagmire – and reap the benefits of gratitude – when it’s really hard to find anything to express gratitude over or about. Sometimes we treat gratitude like a flighty, flitty, “woo-woo” option…. It’s not. It can be as important as taking your vitamins and letting sunshine soak into your skin.

Yes.

Have the benefits of thankfulness – make it a Discipline.

But how?

What if you’re not in a time of plenty, fulfilled expectations, pleasant outcomes, good prognosis, a time of dreams coming true, and roses and champagne? What in the world is there to feel gratitude for if this is not a good time?

Yeah.

I’m the first who goes with the “I’ll do it when I feel like it!” response to some things. (Just ask Rob.)

But I am learning, slowly, the value of consistency. Of being deliberate despite not feeling like it…

Of systems. (Oh, that’s a buzzword from our son.)

Routines. (Bleeeeeech Yuck! Phooey!)

Habits. (positive ones)

Let’s call it Discipline.

(self-control, maybe?)

3 ways to make Gratitude a Discipline

Before your feet hit the floor in the morning say – out loud – one thing you appreciate. Shout it, whisper it, – doesn’t matter. For example, I have a cold. I feel like gloppy, congealed oatmeal. But this morning I had to catch a snotty sneeze when I woke, and there was a tissue box beside my bed. I was really thankful for that tissue at that moment.

Don’t ask for anything in prayer to God before you express your thankfulness for something, no matter how small. Be disciplined about it.

Make a physical list. Grab a piece of paper and pen and don’t go to sleep without writing down one thing you’re thankful for from your day. Not on your phone – use your physical hand, writing with a physical tool, on a real piece of paper. Make it permanent. It doesn’t need to be pretty, or enjoyable. (But it could be.) Because the Discipline of being Thankful will pull you through every day – not just the good ones.

You’ll reap the reward of your Discipline:

you’ll sleep better,

you’ll have greater mental strength,

your relationships will be more healthy,

you’ll be less angry, and depressed,

and increase your sense of well-being.

Here are 5 positive things you’ll learn by putting the Discipline of Gratitude into action.

Yes. Even in rotten times.

Consider:

We like people who express their gratitude.

We like thankful people – generally, they’re the first to notice the positive little things even in the worst times.

Let’s become one of those thankful people as a gift to ourselves and others.

Make gratitude a Discipline. Not a response.

If you’d like to print at home and use these images for your personal crafting – click HERE –

And if you don’t have a printer but still want the image of the mug to use as a sticker, I’ve created that option on RedBubble – it’s a site where images are printed on products. I’m having fun adding my crafting digitals to that platform – take a look and see what’s there – I’ll add more and more as inspiration sparks.

Here’s the link to all the images on RedBubble

What grows from being consistently thankful?

thankfulness

Consistently thankful.

Is it possible?

(Not just during a holiday meal when your host asks you, “What are you thankful for?”)

I do. I think it is possible to be consistently thankful.

Here are three possible ways:

• keep a journal and write it all down
• before you go to sleep and when you wake think of one thing you’re thankful for
• express your thankfulness to others – in writing or verbally

And then what?

What happens if you’re consistently thankful?

I wrote about five things you might learn.

An eloquent Roman said…

 “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues.”
—Cicero

So.

What other virtues (positive character qualities) would you like to nurture?

I often think of the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. 

If you’re a person who likes to play with paper, you can download these square images – print and cut them apart to use in your journal! Click here

And if you’d like something special to document your gratitude, on Amazon you can find two journals I’ve created.

“30 Gratitude Prompts” and “Morning and Evening Gratitude Reflections”

Being creative helps Positive Thanks Living!

thankfulness

Being creative helps you live optimistically and with gratitude. Positive Thanks Living.

3 ways creativity helps you live optimistically and with gratitude:

There are more than three ways being creative helps positive-thanks-living, but let’s just start here…

1. Creativity helps you imagine what might be possible – no matter the topic.
2. Exercising your “creativity muscle” lets you see progress forward. (others might see it & comment also.)
3. Creating feels good.

There are many articles on creativity from amazingly creative people. Two authors I admire greatly are C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. My husband shared this article with me about Tolkien and it led to a little digging, that is, down the rabbit hole of gathering information to see what else I could find. I like this article also, as it compares the two authors’ philosophies on creativity.

Here’s what Tolkien’s (and by extension after research, C.S. Lewis’) philosophy suggests:

…human beings create because they themselves are created in the image of their Creator…

How are you being creative?

So – can you say you’re “creative”? Or do you reject the idea…

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be “good” at these suggestions. The benefits listed above are available regardless! And it’s OK if you feel like you’ve lost or misplaced your creativity. You can find it again!

Are you wondering if you’re creative? (I think you are creative – all of us are!)

But let’s just explore a bit…

Here’s a list of creative avenues you may already be involved in:

• photography – now that most have a smartphone carried with us all the time, we all have the opportunity to take photos of things we love. And we may print out those photos, but at the very least we share them on social media. Just look through your photos – do you see a progression of what you capture? Do your own photos bring a smile?
• arranging possessions – even when we lived in 282 square feet in our RV, the pleasant arrangement of what we displayed had an element of enjoyment – I remember even bringing in a small Christmas tree because it made me smile. Do you re-arrange what you own, or even purchase additional items that will add to the esthetic value of your space? Do you look through magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram and make a list of what you’d like to add? Maybe it’s just imagining at this stage…
• growing things – whether it’s a garden with rows of vegetables, beds of tulips blooming, a container with herbs, or a single pathos plant that’s almost impossible to kill, growing things is creative. There’s a progression that’s easy to see. Do you plant things? Or walk through gardens, a forest, or a local park and delight in how growing things develop? Hmmm. Is that or will it become your creative outlet?
• cleaning and organizing – yes, cleaning is creative! Rob, my husband, is a “cleaner” and every time I walk into a room where he’s exercised his tidying gift, I see creativity. He groups, he neatens, he makes what was chaos into a beautiful thing. And then there’s my friend who makes organizing into an art form; her shelves and buckets and closets are beautiful and functional. Putting the pillows back on the well-made bed can be an art!
• food – are you a baker or do you prefer cooking a meal? When I speak with people, I’ll often ask that question, and the answers I receive give me the impression that most have a preference. Regardless, whenever some people make food there’s a beautiful energy in the preparation. Just think – if you’ve ever arranged a charcuterie board you’ve been creative!
• art – so, maybe this is the obvious area. But the creative spark is there. Nourish it!

What would you add to this list?

Do you see where I’m heading in the above list – is there anything you’d add?

For example, I had the blinding “ah-hah” this morning, as I saw someone doing a makeup video, I realized that for some, using makeup is a way of being creative – or doing “art”.

And what about writing your thoughts and wishes in a greeting card or email or text or private message online? As an example, so many people have sent us words of care and sympathy – their words have created a feeling of an inclusive community during our grieving, and changed our perspective… Wow! That’s creativity at its best.

Where will you exercise your creativity today?

Go ahead – being creative helps you live optimistically & with gratitude!

Download this wallpaper – screen background – for your phone to remind you!

Click here to download.

(the PDF of 100 ways to find your creativity is below. It’s mostly for paper-crafters.)

Are you a crafter?

Maybe a “junk journaler” or mixed-media artist?

Here’s a free download – a PDF – with 100 Ways to find your creativity again! Click HERE

If you’re interested in more Junk-journaling or creative downloads along with articles on optimism and gratitude, consider subscribing to PositiveThanksLiving – just fill in the box below!

I’ve been making some videos about being creative – doing a few of the items on the list – you’re invited to take a look at my playlist on YouTube. Click HERE

What is the greatest gift?

thankfulness

The greatest gift is a portion of yourself…

Giving gifts of time, of thoughtful words, of tangible help and handmade or bought items – they’re all parts of who you are – a portion of yourself in some small way when given with intention…

Is there a part of yourself in every intentional gift you give?

“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.“

I found the above quote, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, and it sparked some thoughts about giving.

In the last month and more, our son and daughter-in-love have received an abundance of heartfelt, inspiring, and sympathetic words and actions, gifts, and practical help that truly reflect a portion of the givers. Some of the gifts of self have been private and quiet. Others have stood, strong and steady, intentionally giving of themselves. Selflessly. Without any barrier – or at least it feels that way…

When a giver gives a portion of themself, you feel it.

The “what” almost falls away, and it’s that portion – that perfect heart-open, uncensored gift of self that shines.

And every – EVERY – gift where a portion of the giver is part… is welcomed and needed. It helps. It makes the darkness brighter. It’s something solid to hang on to when circumstances shift.

And an intentional portion of the giver is something to truly be thankful for…

So the next time you’re given a gift – stop and see it as an intentional heart-piece of the person who is giving it to you…

The “what” isn’t as important as the person.

We are saying “thank you” for the gift coming from a person’s heart. Perhaps, the best part of themself.

Yes. The Greatest Gift.

As a person who believes in God, His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit – the Triune God – I have a direct path in my circling thoughts on the above quote, to the greatest gift ever given.

Jesus.

Fully human, a person born into this world with everything a human-being battles, yet also fully Divine. God incarnate.

(My little intellect can’t explain it all.)

And, then, Jesus intentionally gave the gift of himself – all of himself, not just a portion.

He knew how much He had to give… and He did.

For me. And for you. In fact, for every soul, ever. Jesus gave up Himself – all of Himself.

I feel the wonder of that gift every day – if I’m paying attention.

There’s a “thank you” flowing out of me without barrier… for the greatest gift – it’s priceless.

Maybe invest a little time over the next few weeks, considering how Jesus gave all of Himself.

And say “thank you” in your own way…

What heart-gift, a portion (or all) of yourself could you give?

If you’re interested in paper crafting, take a look at the video I made on how the project in the images came together. I’m intending it as a gift for someone (I actually made two) – it has an intentional part of myself put into the gift…

Thankful all the time – regardless.

thankfulness

Thankful all the time – do you ever need something to remind you to be thankful?

I do. Sometimes.

And that’s OK.

There are times when we get bogged down by circumstances and need help to refocus. Yes. There are times when life isn’t good no matter how much we’d wish or plan otherwise. There are days – and events in those days – that can feel quite unsettling.

However, we still can direct our thoughts to the smallest moment and find something, even one thing, to be thankful for…

Focus on one moment at a time and search for the barest nuance that can make that hour better than the reality of the whole circumstances.

Thankfulness – gratitude – can be the solution to the worst events in life. However, there’s more to just noticing and being thankful. Our gratitude has to translate into action. This is, it’s making those things we’re thankful for – a part of who we are becoming…

This quote might put into words what I’m trying to say…

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

John F Kennedy

Not to utter “WORDS”, but to live by those words? Think of all the things you’re thankful for in others – can you live by those character or quality “words” you value in others?

Thankful all the time – regardless. And living it…

Robert and I often reference our values which are “words”: loyalty, optimism, discovery. We try to live by those words, and not just talk about them… And we notice when others show up with those qualities, sometimes doing them better than we’ve ever imagined we can do!

What values in yourself and others do you treasure?

Other “words” we try to live by and notice in others are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (These words are called “fruit of the Spirit” and I find them referenced here.)

Have you ever thought of the character “fruit” you provide to those around you?

Think about people in your life who embody the precious qualities you value… give thanks for those people!

And then work to make those qualities a part of your behavior as you move forward…

Right now, we are giving thanks for many, many people who are making the lives of our children better, because of their character qualities.

Those who are supporting our son and daughter-in-love in a time of crisis and emotional pain, are sharing their faith, courage, and helpfulness, their kindness and empathy and knowledge – the list goes on…

Thankful all the time. Regardless.

I can work on all those qualities I’m thankful for in others – make them a part of, a greater part of who I am… Maybe we can do that together?

And it begins when we find those small things to be thankful for – even in horrible circumstances.

Click to see my latest video on YouTube where I share the beautiful kindnesses given to me in the last weeks. Also, you can read about the kindnesses being shown to Alex and Alisane in Charlie’s journey as he goes through NICU, surgery, and becoming stronger and healthier.

One aspect that has created in me a sense of strength and focused my thoughts on thankfulness is a set of scripture. I invite you to download the images for your own – you can find them HERE

(the picture above has one of the 12 images as an example – they’re floral wreaths)

I pray they provide you with strength and encouragement also.

I’ve also used some of these Scripture verses in the latest prayer journal I’ve made available on Amazon. It has lined pages, and pages to color, because coloring isn’t just for kids. Many adults color to relax – so this book includes that option around words chosen from the Scripture verses. Maybe it’s a time to contemplate the Scripture? I’ll make a video to show the inside of that book soon…