Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
Thank you for inviting me to your time and space this morning.
Kettle on? Cuppa time.
I usually finish my Saturday morning by sharing the music that I was listening to while writing. This morning is different.
Upon waking, I swing my feet to the floor, give thanks for the new day, and seek how I might be guided to express my gratitude and love today. I then reach for my headphones and music player. (nice words for my phone) Opening iTunes, a pianist Rosey Chan pops up; unaware of this musician, I started listening. Oh my.
Her musical interpretation of Autumn wafted into the corridors of my receptive mind, and it was so moving. I was intrigued to find more by her and landed on her YouTube channel and just let them autoplay. Thank you, Rosey Chan.
It is the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. A particular date on the calendar time set aside to express our 'thankfulness' for all that we have.
To say the year 2020 has been all things sweet would be telling a fib. At times it has been angst-ridden and downright stressful. But I will add it has been a time to grow personally and spiritually.
“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”-Shauna Niequist.
It seemed whenever I sit to truly reflect on all that was right and not on all that was wrong; life would feel better.
Much is written about thankfulness, appreciation, and gratitude.
Before sitting and writing out things I am grateful for, I need to take the time to for perspective—a good dose of self-reflection.
We all have morals and values that guide our priorities and actions. But, have you ever stopped to think about why you believe in those morals and values? And if your actions and priorities actually align with your life goals? Most of us don’t. That’s because self-reflection is hard.
When done effectively, self-reflection is a powerful tool for internal growth and improvement. And those who practice it lead more fulfilled and happier lives. And that’s according to several psychology studies. ~ XQ Blog
This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Psychology Today writes, “Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness and warmth. This social emotion strengthens relationships, and its roots run deep in evolutionary history—emanating from the survival value of helping others and being helped in return. Studies show that specific areas of the brain are involved in experiencing and expressing gratitude. Brain scans of people assigned a task that stimulates expression of gratitude show lasting changes in the prefrontal cortex that heighten sensitivity to future experiences of gratitude.
This article offers tips on how to foster gratitude and thankfulness.
- Keep a journal of or in some way note big and little joys of daily life.
- Write down "three good things"—identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause.
- Write thank-you notes to others.
- Think about people who have inspired you and what about them was most significant.
- Engage in "mental subtraction." Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.
This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all those who have worked hard to keep our Island a relatively safe zone in these COVID times. I am thankful for my faith. I am grateful for my wife and children and our extended family. I appreciate Millie, Rocky and Bobby, our family fur babies.
Love is the greatest gift when given. It is the highest honour when received. ~ Fawn Weaver
I am grateful for our Federal system of health care and the coordination between the provinces to minimize the community spread of the COVID virus. I am thankful for our and all staff who worked hard to reduce the dangers of community spread. I am grateful for our customers who continue to support what we do.
I am grateful for Simonne Cormier, a sweet and wonderful woman I have had an acquaintance for over 30 years. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and she is developing an All-natural breast prosthesis. Read her CBC story here. Bless her heart. If you are a Facebook user, show here some love and 'like' her Au Naturel Solutions Facebook Page.
I am so thankful for YOU!
LET’S DANCE.
Have a wonderful Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend!
What are you 'thankful for?' Hit REPLY or leave a comment.
With love from Prince Edward Island
Bruce & Millie
ps.
"What's that piece of cord tied around your finger for?"
"My wife put it there to remind me to take a letter to the Post Office."
"And did you mail it?"
"No, she forgot to give me the letter."
Comments
Kathleen Clines said:
I am so thankful for your blog, Bruce. It keeps me happy now that I have missed my summer in PEI because of the virus. I love everything about PEI and hope to be able to come back next year. I also love the song “I can see clearly now,” and it is just the right time to think about the lyrics. I do keep a journal every day noting down “happy” things.
Hope to see you all next summer!
October 13, 2020
William Power said:
Thank you so much for the introduction to pianist Rosey Chan, as well as your thoughtful and thought-provoking words. Already have Rosey loaded and ready for exploring autumn colours today. Cheers and love to you and yours! W
October 12, 2020
Sharon Alford said:
Thanks for your blog and the inspiration each week. What a wonderful discovery you made for us —the music of Rosey Chan. Wish I knew how to get sheet music for “Autumn” so I could possibly learn to play it. Happy Thanksgiving to you all in Prince Edward Island.
October 12, 2020
althea said:
Thank you. Just Thank you.
October 11, 2020
Pat said:
Bruce
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃! I’m sure that this holiday is totally different than any other. I am thankful that my son and granddaughter live with me along with my dog and cat. Also for our good health. My wonderful friends.
I can’t imagine what our winter season will bring in 2020.
Thankful that I can still order from your shop.
Take care, Pat
October 11, 2020
Peggy Freeman said:
Happy Thanksgiving, Bruce and Millie! Look forward to your blog every week, it’s the highlight of my week! I absolutely loved the song “Bright Sunshiny Day”! It is one of my favorites and that was a great rendition of it! The drummer was fantastic! Have a wonder-filled week!
Peggy Freeman
October 11, 2020
Jack & Lillian Paul said:
Happy Thanksgiving Bruce & family. We enjoy the Blog. We are grateful for our health this year as so far all of us have escaped Covid even among all the rising numbers and Ont. is headed into another partial shut down. Stay safe.
October 11, 2020
Brynhilde Roth said:
Bruce, wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! Your focus on gratitude resonates with me this year and will be my focus when the US celebrates Thanksgiving next month.
Take care, Bryn
October 10, 2020
Susan E-J said:
Hi Bruce,
I’m thankful to be sharing this beautiful Thanksgiving weekend with my hubby as we celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary! Yes – we married on October 11th and have always had the weekend to travel somewhere…. until this year :) We would have been at Celtic Colours now…. Oh well, we’re safe and healthy and will enjoy the ‘stay-cation’ just as much as ever!
I’m also thankful for your inspirational Saturday blog every week – keep up the good work! A special thanks for sharing Rosey Chan and ‘Autumn’ – WOW! She’s amazing. Like you, I need to hear more! All best to you and yours, Bruce. Susan.
October 10, 2020
Lynn said:
HI Bruce,
I too look forward to reading your Saturday blog. You always find such interesting topics to discuss; I learn so much. I also appreciate your candour and your willingness to share your faith. May God bless you for that.
And today I thank you for the Sun Shining Day song. It was one of my favourites, back in the day. This week I was informed I need to have a breast biopsy. The song helped to put our sun-shiny Alberta day (and life) in perspective.
Peace and blessing to you and your family.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone at PEI Preserve Company and all your blog readers!
October 10, 2020
Terry Greenham said:
I am thankful that I found your blog and read it every week that you send it.
Thank you Bruce for your blog messages and personal dedication to inspiring others.
Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.
October 10, 2020
Jeannette Janssen-Sjostrom said:
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, Bruce! Again, thank you for your perceptions and insights! It is a gift to make the ordinary extraordinary. You have the gift, Bruce!Thank you for sharing and giving all your followers a wonderful start to this special Autumn weekend. Your contemplations are truly inspiring.
October 10, 2020
Linda Jessen said:
I’m grateful that some cruising friends who live on PEI brought me to your store where I discovered some wonderful chutney I continue to order. This has led me to your interesting and insightful blog. Thanks for writing it! Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
October 10, 2020
Sally Brown said:
What a time for reflection. Even though I lost my husband, it would of been our 50th Wedding Anniversary this day. I sit here thinking about the day we married. The many joys and sorrows we encountered through our married years. Love still continues to be fed, through death and life. Thank you.
October 10, 2020
Julie to MacKenzie said:
I love your blog Bruce! Keep them coming! I look forward to them every week….plus, I can look forward to visiting the island again once COVID is over. ;)
October 10, 2020
Sharon Vance said:
Thanks for sharing such beautiful music!
October 10, 2020
Sue Skeffington said:
I am thankful I was able to spend my summer in PEI and enjoy breakfast on a couple occasions at Island Preserver, an annual tradition!
And gratefully for the many wonderful friends I have in my life.
October 10, 2020
Tati said:
Thank you! Your Saturday morning missives are a part of my Saturday morning starts! Chai in cup, intentions set and then so often reaffirmed or broadened in your writing. Thank you so very much! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
October 10, 2020
Brenda Carvey-Cristalk said:
Hi Bruce
I am thankful for my parents whose health is declining, but they still manage to enjoy life. I am thankful for my loving husband, and my daughter who moved to Charlottetown last Thanksgiving. I am extremely thankful for my spunky puppy (Watson) whom we adopted in March (yes he is a Covid puppy). He has been such a joy when staying at home during Covid could have turned monotonous. I love reading your posts every Saturday morning. Take care.
October 10, 2020