Happy November, Ambitious Fam! I’m way behind on posting this bucket list to the blog. This is a great time to insert my reminder that my bucket lists are always created before the month begins so that I can start working on them, even if they don’t make it on the blog until halfway through the month (yikes).
Here is how I am growing into a better version of myself this November:
Thankful Notes
While gratitude is a large part of my life in general, November really brings the practice to the forefront. This month I want to say thank you to some of the people in my life that have really been making these last few months bearable with a few thankful notes. With so much uncertainty, I have really honed in on the idea that you should tell people how you feel about them before it’s too late. Share with them that they were the reason you smiled today and that you appreciate their existence. Tell them you love them. You never know the impact that it can have. I found the cutest pack of cards from Aisha Branch Studio to use for this bucket list item and I can’t wait to send them all off.
More Walks
Amongst all of the other 2020 things, this year is also going down as the year of recreational walks. I’ve taken more walks “for fun” this year than I have in probably all of my years on this planet combined. It has been the perfect way to safely incorporate movement and fresh air into my day. I want to take advantage of the remaining days of decent weather to keep going on walks at least once a week.
Get a Christmas Tree
Last year I opted to not get a Christmas tree. It feels weird to think back to a time where life was in constant motion, but that’s how things were. I wasn’t home for the majority of the end of the year and it felt kind of wasteful to get one. However, I remember the year that I got my first real Christmas tree in my own apartment. I remember the thrill of getting to decorate exactly how I wanted. I remember the joy I felt when I plugged it in at night—the warm feeling of seeing the glow of the lights. I would love to have a little sprinkle of that magic again this year. Sounds like a lot of pressure to put on a tree, but a little bit of Christmas spirit won’t hurt.
Reclaim My Space
Have you heard that saying about your outside space is a manifestation of what your feeling on the inside? Welllllll, let’s just say that my space has definitely reflected that principle this year. It’s gotten to the point of avoidance, which is not a great stage to be in. I know that I will feel better once my home returns to some semblance of order. It’s up to me to stop making excuses and reclaim my space.
Reread Simple Wild Series
One of my favorite reads of 2020 was the Simple Wild series. With the third installment of the series hitting shelves on December 1st, I made a deal with Caitlin (@Lemonadepressblog) that I would do something that I almost never do–reread a book (or in this case, two!). The Simple Wild books follow a Canadian City girl, Calla, as she travels to the Alaska wild to meet and spend time with her father. I thought that the books were the perfect combination of adventure, humor, heartache, romance, and hope. Though I only finished the second book in June, I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER for the third installment. I’ve pre-ordered the newest book, but until then I’ll get reacquainted with the characters. Read my reviews of the first two books on Goodreads!
New Thanksgiving Recipe
Thanksgiving is going to look different this year. While I will miss the work potlucks, Friendsgivings, large family gatherings, I much rather keep myself and others safe. However, I thought it still would be fun to try my hand at a new thanksgiving recipe. Who knows, it could be good practice for a future Thanksgiving meal.
This month, I am leaning into gratitude and doing what I think is best for my mental (and physical) health.