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Gratitude List: November 2026
Updated: 5 days ago
I start each day by listing 5 things I'm grateful for. Typically these are things from the last 24 hours. A gratitude practice is such an easy way to shift your perspective. On days when I'm feeling in a funk, or just going through the motions, the few minutes it takes to write down 5 things makes a huge difference in my mood and keeping me present.
Knowing you have to come up with 5 things each morning also is a great reminder to actually LOOK for those things. And I absolutely believe that what you focus on expands...the more you look for things to be grateful for, the more you will see!
November = Gratitude
The last few Novembers, I've posted something I'm grateful for daily/most days (Instagram), and so I considered not doing it again this year. I don't want to just repeat the same things, that's boring for me and for you! 😂
But as I was considering not doing it, I found myself feeling disappointed. I love the process of looking for things to be grateful for, and even more so hearing the things on YOUR gratitude list! So I decided...I'm going to post daily-ish again, this time digging deep to come up with fresh ideas. Maybe things I've shared before but with a new perspective. I'm certainly grateful for things like my health, family, friends, home, etc, and I want to share things that we may not notice on the regular. My wish is that by me sharing the things I'm grateful for, it will help you notice some new things in your life, too! As the month progresses, I'll update this post, so you can follow along here, on Instagram or Facebook, or get my weekly newsletter to be sure you don't miss any updates. Most importantly, please share your ideas! ❤️
My Gratitude List: November 2026
Nov 1: New month transition
I've always loved the beginning of a new month. Sort of like Jan 1, each new month is a fresh start and chance to begin again. At the beginning of 2026, I started a month end review process: looking back over the past month (using my calendar and camera roll, I have a hard time remembering yesterday 😅) and using that to look ahead to the coming month and more intentionally determine some goals, plan fun things, etc (see more here).
October was fun and full - Bowmanfest, our 25th anniversary trip to the Carolinas, capping off with a fun Halloween night on our street. I also had a cold one week and spent the last week of the month in a bit of a funk. #reallife This month I'm looking forward to several visits with family (both here and away), as well as continuing to create space (decluttering and completing lingering projects) and working on my website/focus. How can you reflect on last month to help you intentionally plan this one?
Bowmanfest team 
Month end review beautiful fall day Anniversary trip: Asheville Halloween! Sunrise in Charleston
Nov 2: Connections with ancestors
I admittedly am someone who will choose not to take something from family just because "it was so and so's" - unless it's something I can actually use or display. This doesn't mean I don't want anything! My grandpa was a woodworker and made each of his grandchildren one of these clocks one Christmas (in the 90s?). I have mine and it still works! As I was going through a box of random things recently, getting rid of most of it, I found this note - the card for when they gave me the clock! Normally, I wouldn't hold onto something like this, but I was able to fold it up and put it in the bottom (you can see it behind the "regulator" sign).
Every week or so when I wind the clock it reminds me of my grandparents and their way of being, their love for me and their family. I'm grateful for that reminder, and also that I don't need to keep ALL the things from them to keep them close in my heart. A simple photo, a treasured gift, a reminder of the connection with those who came before. Do you have something special that helps you stay connected with your loved ones? I'd love to hear!
Grandpa's clock Christmas note
Nov 3: Embracing Hygge
With the evenings getting darker after the time change and days starting to get cooler, I'm grateful for the concept of embracing hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga," a Danish/Norwegian practice that describes a mood of comfort, warmth, and conviviality that makes you feel anchored and present in the moment). To me, it's a reminder to slow down, light some candles (I'm trying these which are nontoxic) or the fireplace, make a warm drink (tea, hot cocoa) and cozy up in a soft blanket or my comfiest sweats! I love to listen to a cozy coffee shop jazz playlist when I'm working on my computer - the chill vibe is cozy!
Cozy candle Tea, fuzzy blanket, fireplace
Nov 4: Light
✨There is light all around us, and within each of us.
Even when it's dark early because of daylight savings time or a rainy day, the sun is still there, we just can't see it. It's the same with everyone you come into contact with, in person, online, in traffic. You never know what someone else is going through. We are all human, we're all connected, we all have our own unique light. Maybe you can't see it in this moment, in yourself or in someone else, but trust that it's there. Be kind and shine your light. ✨
light in the trees morning light Massage Light Me and light Beaufort light
Nov 5: Birthdays 🥳
Birthdays are such a great reminder that we all deserve to be celebrated! Several years ago, a friend shared with me how she always planned her birthday to fill it with the things she loves or things just for herself. Coffee with a friend, a favorite class, a massage, getting herself flowers, a nap (your list may look completely different!). I LOVE that!
I'm not crazy about being the center of attention, but I absolutely can get behind filling a day with things that make the day special...even just the mindset of slowing down, enjoying a cup of tea with a good book, doing something that feels good just for you! (Of course, we don't need to wait for our birthday to sprinkle some things like this for ourselves!). It's my mom's birthday today - Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you and I'm grateful you were born 🤩
Happy Birthday Birthday cake Mom's birthday
Nov 6: Connecting with you through my weekly emails
Several months ago I committed to getting back to something I love, which is writing my weekly (ish ) email, sharing things that interest me, inspire me or that I think might help someone else. I realize that none if it is probably new news, but the thought that motivates me is "if it helps one person, that's a win." It was the same for my yoga classes that I taught. I know not everyone would like them, and that's ok. If just one person comes away with something positive, that's a win in my book.
So I LOVE (and am SO grateful for), when someone sends me an email, comments on a post, or tells me they appreciate something that I share. This feels weird to even say lol, because I'm really not asking for more comments more just sharing the reminder...if you appreciate something about someone, tell them! You might make their day!! 😍
Of course, shameless plug if you want to check out my emails, you can sign up here (and unsubscribe at any time, really). ❤️
replies to email 
MDW signup MDW email
Nov 7: I am grateful for today
Yesterday is behind us, tomorrow will get here when it's time. Today is what we have, and how beautiful! 🌞 Life is short, let's enjoy it today! I saw a post this week that inspired me - at the end of the day, ask yourself, did I enjoy myself today? Life is to be lived, and if you're not enjoying it, maybe start to make some small changes to bring in more joy ON PURPOSE!
👉 What's one thing you are doing TODAY that you enjoy? If you don't know, intentionally plan something fun: 5 minutes of talking to a friend, sipping some tea while reading a book, going for a walk, holiday decorating, dance party in the kitchen, sing in the shower? Please share what you're doing, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
✅ I took a fun yoga class, walked Hank on a beautiful morning, plan to go to Trader Joe's later (my favorite!), and I'll enjoy getting the laundry done! Already a good day 🤩
sunny day hank in the morning
⭐My original intent was to update this post throughout the month, but it's already getting really long! 😅 So stay tuned for Week 2 or follow along on Instagram, or sign up for my weekly email to see updates as the month progresses!
I'd love to here something you're grateful for today, just leave a comment or shoot me a note!
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