Sometimes it takes perspective to really make you think about your world in a different way. In May of this year, I was given news of a close friend’s health diagnosis. A diagnosis that nobody wants to hear. She then set out on a courageous journey. She was to fight as hard as she possibly could, despite the fact that it seemed impossible. And also, she was to spread as much joy and kindness to all the land near and far. She built a bucket list and crossed them off her list. But this bucket list wasn’t “go to France” or items like that. It was items such as “knit 30 newborn hats for the hospital”. She did random acts of kindness, she hugged everyone she met and she gave thanks. Let me repeat. She gave thanks. She continues to breathe those words and write those letters. She is battling for her life – a battle I know she will win yet she continues to prioritize brightening your day.

I always counted my blessings and ensured that those same values were taught to my children. But lately it seems I am left with not just saying it but asking myself “what can I do?”

A simple thank you card is a nice start, don’t you think?

Being that it’s Thanksgiving in Canada, I took some time to write some things that I am thankful for as of today and turn them into a scrapbook page. It’s a nice thing – to reflect.

So you aren’t a “journaller” in your pages but you like this idea? One way to overcome this is to give yourself the prompt “I am thankful..” Repeat this all the way down the page. Think about the little things. Not just the big things. Be serious or funny or perhaps a bit of both. Think about your day from start to finish – what makes you happy?

One thing that I never included in this list is being thankful for you. I am blessed to have the opportunity to develop my projects on the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine platform. I am so happy to inspire and share. But I also think that it goes without saying that from a paper crafting community, we are so blessed to have a national print magazine in Canada. Thank you Canadian Scrapbooker – we love you!

Thank you for dropping by today! Be sure to tag @canadianscrapbookermagazine and myself @IntheCatCave so we can share your creations!

Cathy Caines, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, St. John’s, NL

http://www.inthecatcave.com

Supplies and images used are © 2015 Stampin’ Up! unless otherwise stated: Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape, Cherry on Top Designer Paper Stack, Winter Wonderland washi tape, golf foil, watercolour paper, gold embossing powder, Bermuda bay ink, crushed curry refill ink, aqua painter, versamark, stapler, Vintage Leaves stamp set, Seasonal Snapshot 2015 Project Life accessory kit, basic black cardstock, Home for Christmas Designer buttons, Seasonal Frame Thinlets Die