Editor’s Note Thankful
I
t’s been a challenging year for our society and I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been impacted by the events of 2020 in one way or another. Either financially, physically, emotionally, or in our relationships with others, in some way, the events of 2020 have touched most of us. There are enough challenges to deal with in our personal lives, but when things outside of our personal realm interfere, it can feel dark, overwhelming and chaotic. I firmly believe though, that if we focus on the good in our lives it gives the darkness and negativity less power, less importance, and can take away that feeling of chaos that seems so prevalent. And no matter how bad things get, there’s still plenty of good left in the world if we can open our eyes to it. One way of focusing on the good is to look at the things we each have to be thankful for. Sometimes those things are right there in front of us, and sometimes we have to dig deep to find them, but there are things in every life for which to be thankful, grateful even. I challenge each of you to find the things in your own lives to be thankful for, and to get you started, I’m going to tell you about some of mine. I’m thankful for living in this amazingly beautiful part of the world and to be part of a community that values that beauty and takes steps to conserve and protect it. (Come on, you knew that was going to be the first thing on my list!) I’m thankful for the talents and skills that give me the ability to earn a living doing something I enjoy, and for my clients and readers who continue to make that possible. I’m thankful for all the random moments I get to enjoy: • Seeing a great horned owl and red-tailed hawks hunting in my yard. • Getting a call, text or email from people I enjoy talking with. • Praise from clients and associates for doing a good job. • When a stranger smiles, holds the door, or says a kind word. • A great passage in a book that makes me think. • When my neighbor’s horse comes to the fence to greet me. • Having a new recipe turn out great. I’m grateful for the things that make life easier: the cozy cabin I live in, a reliable vehicle, a comfortable bed, a wellstocked pantry and refrigerator, power and indoor plumbing, and reasonably good health. I’m grateful for the things that bring pleasure: music, books, art, good food, sunrises and sunsets, the first warm days of spring, the first crisp days of fall, the scent of the marsh, moonlit nights, and the rocking chairs on my front porch. I’m grateful for the activities that bring pleasure: fishing, kayaking or any time on the water, sitting around a fire pit with friends, oyster roasts, conversations with the people in my life, exploring someplace new, playing with my animals, hiking a nature trail, front porch sitting, and spending time with those I care about, to name a few. I’m thankful for the opportunity to rescue a kitten and a puppy and see them grow and thrive – and enjoy all their antics! I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve others in an organization that does so much good in our chaotic world (Team Rubicon). I’m thankful for the family I chose – the people I’m grateful November 2020
Southern Tides Magazine
My dear sweet Charlie passed away in early September, I'm sorry to report. But I've been blessed in adopting these two. Meet Hemingway (top), and Remington, Remy for short. It's true that the pets you rescue, rescue you in turn. Hemingway is three months, Remy is seven months, and they quickly became buddies. These two never cease in providing smiles, laughter and snuggles!
to call friends. It would be a darker world without each of you. I’m thankful for the family I was given – my sister and two brothers, who I didn’t know existed until recently, and for their spouses, children and grandchildren, for the brother I grew up with and his family, and for my own children, grandchildren and stepdaughter. Family is everything. Everything. I, we, could have it so much worse. For every challenge or downturn we face, there are countless others who have it far worse. So take a little time and look closely at your life to find the good, and be thankful for it. Focus on that, rather than on the negative, and you might find that the chaos going on around us has a little less power. Happy Thanksgiving to you all See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com 7
