Embracing Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Pause
Hey there, y’all!
I didn’t plan on this, but sometimes plans change, and we have to learn how to adapt, make the most of every situation, and listen to our instincts. I’m taking a little break from posting this week to fully enjoy some time with my family and friends for Thanksgiving, recharge batteries and spend time with the kids during this Fall break with no school. For those of you who may not be familiar with this tradition, Thanksgiving is a special holiday here in the U.S. where people gather to celebrate the things they’re grateful for—usually over a delicious meal, with plenty of turkey, pie, and good conversation.
It's a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate all the wonderful things in life, big and small.
As many of you know, I’m originally from Barcelona, Spain, and my family and I moved to Austin almost two years ago. What a ride it has been! I’m incredibly thankful for this experience—living in a new country, adapting to new customs, learning and perfecting a new language, and, most importantly, discovering so many beautiful people and traditions along the way. It’s been a true adventure that’s helped us grow as individuals and as a family. The cultural differences, the new holidays like Thanksgiving, and especially the warmth, kindness and openness we’ve felt from the people we’ve met—it’s all been beyond our best expectations.
Some people say the most important things in life are Love, Health, and Money, and I’m using this week to reflect and feel truly thankful for all of them:
Love: I’m grateful every single day for my wonderful, loving husband, who is always by my side supporting me in everything I do. My amazing kids! They continue to surprise me, teach me, (also test me and my patience sometimes), while always bringing so much joy to my life and not a minute of boredom! And while I miss my family and friends in Barcelona (don’t even get me started on how much I wish I could see them more), I’m so thankful that they are still with me somehow, keeping in touch, and cheering us on from afar. I'm also incredibly lucky to have found some great friends here in Austin who are making this chapter of our lives even richer.
Health: I don’t think we can ever take our health for granted, and I’m so thankful to be healthy, as are my loved ones. To be able to enjoy life, experience new things, and just feel good—what more can we ask for? It’s truly something to be grateful for.
Money: I’m thankful for seeing money as what it truly is—a resource. It’s not the end-all-be-all, but it does give us the ability to live comfortably, have what we need, and enjoy the little things in life. Like going to the movies with my family or taking small trips to discover new places. Money allows us to create memories while always having food on the table, and I’m so thankful for that.
I know many of you here in the U.S. are using this time to be with your own families and reflect on the things you’re grateful for. But regardless of where you live, I encourage you to take a moment this week—whether it’s a few minutes or a few hours—to think about all the amazing things in your life. It’s such an easy, free way to reconnect with yourself and all the beautiful things you’ve got going on. And trust me, it will bring a smile to your face. It’s a reminder of the good stuff, no matter how big or small.
Wishing you all a peaceful, happy week filled with gratitude, love, and a whole lot of good food!
With warmth and gratitude,
Marta
P.S. If you want to see a bit of these days and how we spend them, as well as our first-time cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey, you can follow me on Instagram as @martafores_coach and Facebook as Marta Forés. I’ll be back here next Monday!
