November Montessori Message
I came across this article while at my chiropractor’s office this week. It is simply written, with a simple message, and I wanted to pass it on to all of our Pine Grove families during this holiday season. Consider sharing it with your loved ones too-if we could all heed these words of advice, even if just some of the time, how much more connected we would be.
Live More, Love More Thanksgiving Recipe
By Handsfreemama.com
For every exasperated breath, let there be two minutes of uncontrollable laughter.
For every impatient “hurry up”, let there be one leisurely “take your time”.
For every worry about the condition of your home, let there be a friend who reminds you that your décor is not why you are loved.
For every complaint, let there be gratitude for two blessings.
For every minute spent holding an electronic device, let there be ten minutes holding a deck of cards, a musical instrument or someone else’s hand.
For every duty checked off the list, let there be a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen or a snowball fight in the backyard.
For every new item brought into the home, let there be one offering of time, talent, money or gently used item to a heart in need.
For every irritated thought towards a rude driver, let there be one smile offered to a stranger.
For every family squabble, let there be a group hug.
For every accidental spill, let there be an extra serving of grace.
For every moment spent ridiculing your body, let there be one praise for arms that carry the weight, no matter how heavy.
For every moment you give the gift of yourself to the ones you love, let there be a memory that lasts beyond your lifetime.
Thanksgiving is not about basting the perfect turkey, or getting the flawless family photo, or polishing the floors until they shine. It is about gathering together with our messy, flawed human hearts in an effort to make happy memories that will outlive us all. Whether you follow this recipe to a T or simply pick and choose the ingredients that work for you, there will be a noticeable difference. For the first time in a long time, you will lay your head on the pillow at night and you will not replay that family spat, you will not wonder what you could have done to improve the cranberry sauce, your feet will not be throbbing because you never sat down. Oh no, this time it will be different. Because now you know you must let go of what doesn’t matter in order to grasp what does matter. For the first time in a long time, you will lay your head on the pillow and say “Today I tasted the sweetest part of life”. And that messy, flawed heart beating inside you will feel peacefully and imperfectly full. In order to grasp what matters most, we must let go of what doesn’t. Thank goodness, it’s never too late to try this life-changing recipe to taste the sweetest part of life.
