Reflection: As I wrote today’s Pause message, it was Thanksgiving Day in the USA. I took a look at my calendar and saw the tail end of 2019 barreling down the road in my direction.

Add those both together, and they put me in a reflective frame of mind with thoughts of gratitude bubbling to the surface. Putting pen to paper, this list of things for which I felt grateful flowed to the page:

• Reasonably good health – with just enough aches and irritations to remind me to feel compassion for those who suffer chronic pain
• Our travel adventures and the resources to fund them
• My clients and the opportunities they present for meaningful work, along with my colleagues who share this journey of teaching and learning
• A husband who loves to cook and who exercises his culinary talents in the kitchen every single day.
• My daughters and nieces and their partners who have populated our extended family with a lively crop of little ones who bring joy and energy to every gathering
• My sisters and my Mom who have been my touchstones through the years
• Caring friends who share laughter and shoulders to lean on when times get rough
• My Artists’ Workshop group and the talented colleagues who encourage and challenge my growth as a painter
• This beautiful and (relatively) peaceful country I am lucky enough to share with my fellow Canadians

I was – and am – grateful for it all.

Action: Is pausing to take stock of all there is to appreciate a part of your end of year activities?

Here’s a challenge to tuck in your pocket as you make your way through December and on into the fresh new decade that lies ahead.

End each day by acknowledging at least one thing the day brought for which you can be grateful.

This practice helps us stay tuned to the good stuff flowing through our world that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Quotes Of The Week: We can find the extraordinary in the ordinary. The miracle of life is always present. – Mark Nepo

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. – Mary Jean Irion

Joy is the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens. – David Steindel – Rast

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. – Richard Bach

Resource Of The Week: I’ve long been a fan of Mark Nepo’s writing, having first been introduced to his ideas some twenty years ago in The Book of Awakening – Having The Life You Want By Being Present To the Life You Have.

I’ve just recently finished reading one of his more recent publications, Things That Join The Sea & The Sky – Field Notes On Living.

It’s a great book to dip into for short readings that inspire attention to life and the world at large. Definitely worth checking out.

Here’s a sample excerpt titled: Instructions To My Smaller Self.

Seasonal Offer: If you’re in the mood to share appreciation with others, this holiday offer might be of interest. For the month of December I’m making available my ‘Take A Bow’ booklets (regularly priced at $6.95/copy) in any quantity of 15 or more at $2.95/copy plus GST and shipping.

Take A Bow – 67 Ways To Pause For Applause, Celebrate Your Success & Keep Your Spirits High is a great way to express appreciation to employees, colleagues, clients, friends and family.

For this offer, contact me directly (pat@patkatz.com) with the quantity required, shipping address and your phone #, and I’ll take it from there. To learn more about the Take A Bow booklet, follow this link for full information.

Past Editions Of Pause: If you’ve missed some recent editions or would like to browse past editions of the Pause ezine, you can always check them out on my website. Here’s the link to the collection.