November's End

The gratitude tree has been taken down for this year.  I am thankful for all those that participated both virtual and present.  I will stash these beautiful notes of gratitude and every now and then pull one out and send love your way. 

Every year this idea grows and I am hoping to continue the movement.  Anyone is welcome to host a tree in their yard!  

Gratitude is a practice and while I encourage an outward display during the month of November, gratitude should be practiced all throughout the year.  

Send me a note at hello{at}abbycameron{dot}me for a monthly reminder in your inbox.  

See you next year! 

Yoga Center Gratitude Tree

Photo by Rosanna Webb

I recently wrote a blog post over on my website about being a gratitude warrior.  If you missed it, you can find it here.  Last week, Gainesville hosted a ladies night out and Gainesville Yoga Center participated.  Since moving, I have started taking classes there and have befriended a lovely group of women.  I was delighted when my friends Kathy, Rosanna, and Denise told me that they were going to put a gratitude tree in the lobby for the event, inspired by my gratitude tree.

This act of kindness embodies what a gratitude warrior is.  Being humbled by their own blessings, they want to pass it forward.  Thank you ladies for being gratitude warriors.  

If have you are in the Gainesville area be sure to check out Gainesville Yoga Center.  

Gratitude Challenge: What's In Your Bag?

In gratitude for your own good fortune you must render in return some sacrifice of your life for other life.
Albert Schweitzer

Practicing gratitude can reach beyond our own life.  When we count our many blessings we must also remember to pay it forward, for many of those blessings are due the kindness of others.  This challenge is intended to do just that.

Each morning we wake with a bag full of possibilities for the day.  It is our choice to use all of them or none of them.  The bag may include a smile to a stranger, some gifts, a shoulder to cry on for a friend, a kind word to a child.  Often times what is in your bag are the gifts and talents you naturally bring to the world.

You are given a full supply of possibility each day, but by not emptying your bag, what lays inside can become heavy and burdensome.

Your challenge is to be mindful of emptying your bag each day so you can start each new day with an empty bag.

What will you give away today?

Let the Light In

The tree is beginning to fill with thanksgiving.  Neighbors and friends are pushing through the weather to put their gratitude on the tree.  There is still plenty of time to be thankful.  

Every life has gray spaces and days.  Where in your life can you be more grateful in order to let the light in? 

The Gratitude Mascot

This is Annie, my Australian Shepherd. She is the official mascot of the November gratitude movement.  She landed in my photos when I first started the project simply because she was cute.  Then I began to realize how important she is to my life and how she reminds me to practice gratitude everyday.  

Dogs love unconditionally, especially Annie.  She is always excited to see me walk through the door.  Every moment is a good time for play or a walk, and I know that if she had a voice she would be screaming "this is the best day ever" everyday! 

She really is the best reminder that gratitude should be something we practice on a daily basis.  Life really is more fun when we are counting our blessings and not gripping about an injustice we don't have any control over.  

So, this is the best day ever.  What are you thankful for? 

Gratitude Tree 2014

The 2014 season of Thanksgiving has arrived.  I am delighted to be hosting the gratitude tree again this year, and in a new location.  I'm looking forward to bringing joy and gratitude to my new neighbors.

I started this project a few years back as a reason to slow down and enjoy the season.  This time of year can be so hectic and remembering what we are thankful for is a great habit to practice.

The rules are simple.
1.  Consider what you are thankful for this year.
2.  Write it on a tag (located in the tool box below the tree).
3.  Hang from any branch you wish.
4.  Come back as often as you like.
5.  Encourage your neighbors to come by.

If you don't live in the Kiowa community,  send me an email and I will write your gratitude on a tag and hang it on the tree for you.

See you soon!

11.18.13

The gratitude tree has more and more tags fluttering in the wind every day.  Thank you to all the neighbors that have stopped by to give thanks.

This is one of my favorites.  Don just about covered it all!