I have written & deleted, and written this post again so many times trying to come up with a different, more profound way to say “thank you” to all who are reading. But there’s really no better way to say it. So
thank you
I know that the real key to happiness is gratitude.
I know that being thankful often and for the little things is the only way to truly be content.
I know that gratitude is a practice, and one that when I express gratitude and really let myself FEEL it, I am full.
I know that the more I appreciate what I have, the less I want.
I know that when I feel thankful, even in the moments where life seems so hard, I am okay, and I feel hopeful that things will get better.
I also know that I have to make myself remember to be grateful.
Which is sometimes still a struggle. I wish it was more automatic. More second-nature to feel grateful all the time. But it’s still something I have to remind myself of.
When I’m frustrated with all the noise and chaos with so many kids and dogs around, I have to remember to be thankful that I’m here with all my family. And that even after running away twice, Dagny is still here with us to cause chaos.
When I’m upset at myself for eating too much pie, I have to remind myself that tomorrow is another day, and that I will do better then. And be thankful that we have food to eat.
As I post about sales & deals this Black Friday, I’m frustrated that my budget doesn’t allow me to buy more than I already have.
But I am thankful for the things I already have. I’m also thankful that I still have too much, so I can bring my sister some things she can’t/wouldn’t buy for herself. I am thankful that I can afford to buy things I need, and that I’m becoming disciplined enough to resist buying more. Although it’s still very hard.
And then again, I have to remind myself that I can make mistakes, and forgive myself. I have to be grateful that I have made it this far in my minimalist journey; and that I still have things to learn.
At the end of it all, and now, especially, I am truly GRATEFUL for every single thing in my life: the heartache, the pain, the joy, and the contentment. And for you. For all of you. I appreciate that you read what I write, and that you take time out of your day to interact with me when you do. I appreciate your notes, your personal stories, and just that you are here.
I do this for me, yes, but I also do it for you. And I hope that I can continue to be useful to you in some way, because you are more important to me than you can possibly know.
So again
thank you
See The Minimal Closet in the WSJ! Then read more in The Minimal Closet series (new posts on Thursdays):
Thanks, Grechen. This was a lovely post.
<3 beautiful post!
Thank you for the Minimal Closet posts! They have helped this old hand at minimalism see a lot of things differently!
Hope you have a great time with your family, in spite of the dog/kid/calorie overload! In return, I am thankful to have your writing as a guidepost in my quest for wardrobe sanity. I am so frequently inspired by your words and hope that you continue to share your journey with us.
Thank you. You write beautifully and thoughtfully.
Well said. I think we are all taking it a day at a time and shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves if we slip a bit. Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for what I do have. Enjoy your holiday!
We love you too. <3
Lisa´s last blog post ..Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals, In Moderation
Lovely post, Grechen! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
This was so beautifully written, Grechen! And it made me cry. I’m grateful to you for your posts that I look forward to so much because they’re SO relevant to my life. I hope we can meet in-person someday!
Thank you for this beautiful post! Being grateful can change a person’s life each and every day. I am so grateful for every moment, even the ones that are challenging. Embracing each moment brings a new clarity to life and being grateful enhances life beyond measure.
Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Lisa