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Wow, 2020 sure has provided us with so much. So much of a challenge, so much heartache, so much stress, anxiety, togetherness and the list goes on and on. But, there is also so much good. So many silver linings, so many moments of joy, so many blessings and so much to smile about. When was the last time you re-learned about Mesopotamia or refreshed your memory on double digital decimal division? When was the last time you could say that your family sat down for a meal together more than the opposite? In those moments, I can't always say that I am smiling - but when I get in bed at night and recount the day, I smile just thinking about how much my kids are growing up - and, that I get to watch them so much more closely during this time. This year has been so many different things, but as we round the corner on Thanksgiving week...I am so Thankful.
M A G I C
When listening to episode 165 of the Forever 35 podcast this week, they mentioned how the females most always bring the Holiday magic. Whether it is the Christmas magic that they were referring to, or for me, the Thanksgiving magic - I think they are right. I am feeling this urge, this need, to bring the Thanksgiving magic even more than ever before. Celebrating is my thing. I absolutely love planning the meal, the decor and the extras...but for some reason, listening to this podcast discussion, I was overwhelmed with one more thing. Maybe I always knew it, but hearing them say it made me pause - but, ok, yes, I will be the one to bring the magic. Magic for my kids so that they remember more than the hollow chocolate turkey we always have. I am so thankful that I can figure out new and creative ways to bring the magic.
E V E R Y D A Y
It is so easy to get caught up in the togetherness, the meals, the dish washing, the list goes on and on. While riding the Peloton this week, I was reminded by Ally Love, to appreciate the little things. The new day, the health of my family and friends, the ability to ride the bike, the 3pm shower, the fact that I get to sit here and create fun content for all of you. There really is so much to be thankful for. In the month of November, I decorate our family room with fall themed items and a poster that says, " There is always something to be Thankful For." I truthfully have looked at that poster every single day and didn't think twice. It is really pretty, gold embossed with yellow and orange leaves. A perfect addition to the pumpkins on my mantel. But, for the next few days, I am going to pause and remind myself why I bought that poster years ago and why I have it placed in our family room. This Thursday will be my100th ride with Peloton and am ready to join that century club. While I don't ride the bike every day, I do ride it a lot. I get so much more than just exercise out of it and am truly grateful for the Peloton community.
F R I E N D S A N D F A M I L Y
I am so thankful for my friends and family. Back in July my family and I took a road trip to the Colorado mountains. While sitting outside on the edge of the Blue River, while messaging with friends, one said, " When are you going to just start that Blog? I'll follow you ASAP!" Well, the truth is, she wasn't the first, or the last to ask. The idea of a lifestyle blog seemed crazy to me. There are so many lifestyle bloggers out there - and how would I differentiate myself with enough content that others would enjoy and actually make something of? I have been thinking about doing this for a long time. And finally, on Day 122 of having our world (both mine and the larger) in this unknown state, I took the leap and have begun sharing the love, my knowledge of what I love, what I love doing and how I love doing it, here, on this platform in the hopes of helping you - share the love, too. It has been four mouths since this blog began and I cannot believe how far it has come. I am so thankful to each and everyone of you for supporting me, following me, reading with me and sharing the love with me along the way. Blogging takes time, research, skill, art direction, and so much more. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me make The Love, Jules what it is today. Every photo, every link, every post blog, instagram or story has more than just a two second thought behind it. The shares, the likes, the signup and most of all the feedback is what keeps me going. I cannot wait to see where this goes is 2021!
I wish you all a wonderful week however you are celebrating - I encourage you to stop for a few moments and reflect on what you are thankful for. Big or small, I know there is so much we can all be thankful for.
Sending you ALL THE LOVE!
XOXO, Jules