With an extra hour tucked into my pocket like a newfound treasure, I watched as the morning sky kept it’s daily promise to shake the dark from its edges and bring back the sun.
And I thought, welcome November, welcome.
In Southern California November’s arrival means autumn has permission to really show up. Crisp air. Brilliant foliage. And best of all? The light. Whether it is sunrise or sunset, the light at this time of year is exquisite.
One of the things I love about November is people everywhere seem to show up in their own lives too. And in that showing up attention is focused onto what matters most.
Then we bare witness to countless “grateful” blog posts, status updates, tweets and memes across the Internet. We are recipients and givers of warm greetings. We gather and celebrate a season that reminds us to give thanks.
And I love that.
I love it because our collective shared appreciation for all that we have blankets the world with something it desperately needs–positivity.
This month, just as I did last year, I made a commitment to show up here on my blog daily to write. Along with a group of writer friends, I am participating in, National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo.
To be clear, I have had to ask myself a few times why I decided to make this commitment again.
Here’s the why–because commitments help me.
This commitment reminds me to show up in my life and notice things. It reminds me to share. It reminds me that having a voice and using it, makes me feel even more alive. It reminds me to focus on right-now. And last it reminds me that one of the greatest gifts in life is the ability to connect with people.
So welcome November and welcome to you.
Best of luck with your month long commitment!
Thanks Carol, it’s something you make look easy daily!
This will be fun to do together.
I agree, I look forward to it!
A month of blogs! I wish you a lot of luck. I look forward to reading them.
Thanks Toni!
You are one of the greatest gifts in my life, my friend. I love November, too, and am touched by every gratitude post and by making this commitment to write together with such a wonderful group of smart, articulate, supportive women.
You are so sweet. And I love that you enjoy groups like those, I think it’s one of the many reasons we are kindred spirits.
I love that people show up for their lives and are grateful even if it is just for this one month! This piece makes me want to make every month November. Maybe we could get that on the ballot! I love this piece and am grateful for you every month – no matter what each is called!
You are so kind Ruth, thank you.
I love this Elin! Yes, being a part of NaBloPoMo does make me feel more alive and, for me, less concerned with the burden of expectations and perfection. Just writing from the heart. So excited we’re doing this together.
Yes! Letting go of the perfection is key! And I agree, looking forward to knowing you and your work this month Linda.
I am grateful for friends like you who are not only like-minded by filled with so much compassion and joy that it oozes through every word you write. Glad to be on this month’s journey with you, Elin.
Thank you Cathy, so nice of you. Yes, looking forward to the journey with you too.
First week in November is the time our trees begin to really show their colors. As a girl from Central Florida, I never tire of seeing the trees change. And the light is beautiful. Maybe because of the lower humidity that fall seems to bring us? Love the way you express with words. A pleasure to read.
Thank you for your nice comment Jamie. The trees are so wonderful and agree, never tire of them either.
November. I was never been a big November fan as a kid or young adult. Cold and dreary. But living in the SW – now I love it.
And writing every single day and actually agreeing to post it. Well what a bunch of brave bloggers!
Oh I agree with you Nancy, I don’t remember loving November as a child either! The SW is spectacular in the winter, what a wonderful place to be.