This is the time of year when we start hearing a lot about what we’re thankful for.
I love turning the focus of the upcoming holidays to something that celebrates gratitude for many reasons, one of which is the fact that it takes the pressure off of having to be too festive.
Don’t get me wrong, I am learning to slowly get my festive side going again.
It had been gone a long time.
My late husband was not a fan of the holidays which translated to my not being a fan of the holidays.
This was pretty awful because as a much younger person, I was all about them!
Over the last few years, I have started to allow that part of me to re-emerge.
One of the biggest helps has been understanding that even when I am neck deep in stress, as I often am this time of year, I really do have a lot to be thankful for.
As long as I actively remember this, I am able to make it through each of these holiday-themed days with a little more ease.
When it’s cold and dark out and I am stressing about bills but my little dog comes and snuggles on my lap, I have something to be thankful for.
If I am biting my nails off from a looming deadline or something else that has been known to level me, just knowing that I can pick up a book to read or even binge a favorite show on TV reminds me that for now – just right now, in this very moment – I am okay.
When I’m able to get my kids and nearest and dearest holiday gifts, the gratitude pours.
If I can buy groceries to make our favorite holiday foods – you guessed it, I am thankful.
I know it’s not always that easy.
After Bret died, I was definitely knocked down a rung or ten. That first holiday season after he had passed was so rough.
But every time I can recall just one little tiny thing that I’m thankful for at the moment, I can reset and keep moving forward.
And the next thing you know, it’s New Year’s and I’m amazed at how quickly the holidays went.
For a brief moment, I might even already be looking forward to them for next year…
Happy Thanksgiving from My household to Yours.
Do you know someone ready to make a meaningful impact this holiday season? Join us in embracing the true spirit of giving by getting involved in the Hope for Widows Foundation’s ‘Bring Hope Holiday Assistance Program’ virtual initiative, now in its third year. This program directly supports widows who may be struggling to provide gifts and essentials for their children during the holiday season.
For many widows facing financial challenges, the choice between keeping the lights on, putting food on the table, and buying presents can be heart-wrenching. When you add the responsibilities of solo parenting, the weight of grief, and the toll it takes emotionally and physically, the burden becomes even greater.
To become a sponsor and access more information, and details visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3ZROBWo
For our widows/hope sisters in the community, please stay tuned as we’ll be sending out widow applications for sponsorship this holiday season very soon.
Let’s come together and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
About Layla Beth Munk
Layla Beth Munk is a blogger & author who was thrust into this widowhood journey abruptly and tragically on February 11, 2018. Her husband of 12 years had ended his pain once and for all. She soon made the decision that she would not let his final decision define the rest of her life or their daughter’s life, so with her sense of humor at the helm, she started writing about her newfound station in life. Grief waves still get to her, and probably always will, but with the help of her fellow widows as well as friends and family, she has been able to realize her dream of becoming a published author! Layla is so grateful to Hope For Widows Foundation for providing this level of support to her, and so many others! Layla has two amazing children, one who is grown and one who is almost grown. She lives in eastern Oregon and has a wellness & beauty background. Layla enjoys writing poetry, watching anime, and homeschooling her daughter.
Her blog can be found at laylabethmunk.medium.com and her debut novella, 24 Hours in Vegas, is available on Amazon.