Thankful

This month, I’ve adopted a “Gratitude Challenge” – a series of 30 prompts, and every day in November, I take or find a photo that corresponds with the prompt of that day to show and remember something specific that I’m thankful for.  From small things like the weather (I LOVE living in Iowa where we have 4 very different seasons!) to bigger ideas like love and family, it’s been a great reminder every day that we all have so much to be thankful for.

November is often stressful – we’re planning for a Nutcracker, a Christmas Show, finishing up Company choreography, starting recital choreography, starting recital costume orders, starting to think about and plan for next summer (I know it seems crazy!) – and that’s just at work.  Everyone is making Thanksgiving and Christmas plans, trying to arrange travel and schedules to see all of the Christmas programs and shows and parties (all great things, but they sure do make for a busy few months!).

In the midst of the crazy, I wondered how I could bring those little and quick reminders to be thankful into the studio.  I take about 5 minutes a day to find my photo for the gratitude challenge – what could we do for our dancers and families to give that gentle push to remember something we’re thankful for – when they’re already here?

From this thought and a wall sticker (you can find anything on Amazon these days!) plus 100 pages of cardstock leaves all cut out… our Thankful Tree came about.  When you’re at the studio before Thanksgiving, we’d love to have your dancer add a leaf to our Thankful Tree.  We have a bin of leaves in the Lounge – grab one, write something you’re thankful for, and tape it up on the wall between Studio 2 and the Dance Shop.  🙂

Our Thankful Tree!
Our Thankful Tree!

I’m thankful for each and every one of you!

Enjoy this season of thankfulness,

Miss Vanessa