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I’m in the throes of baking pies, doing laundry, and finishing up last-minute details for the annual Running of the Turkeys 5K race tomorrow. In the midst of all the hurry and endless sticky notes covered with items yet to be completed, I want to stop for a moment to think through my reasons for giving thanks this season:

-  the amazing women I’ve met and come to admire in the More training groups
-  my courageous clients who commit to changing their habits and follow through with their goals
-  my parents and grandparents who gave me wonderful memories and traditions
-  my sisters; no matter what happens in our lives, we’re always sisters
-  the Ryan men, who bring smiles, laughter, sometimes tears, and always love and pride to my life
-  3 coaching buddies who help clarify dreams and thoughts into cohesive plans
-  mentors throughout the years who encourage and cajole me to expand my professional horizons
-  paths in my life that opened up when least expected, and always bring something to be treasured
-  the beautiful places I’ve lived in; no matter where, they have a special place in my heart

I’ve been reading much of Fred Buechner’s books lately, and if you’re not familiar with this beloved author, head out to the library now and search out one of books. Today, and hopefully for a long time to come, I’m planning on focusing on one of his quotes I read in an interview with him:

“I have discovered that if you talk to people as if they’re your oldest friends, for as long as that conversation lasts they are your oldest friends.”

quotation from: “Ordained to write:  an interview with Frederick Buechner”, Christian Century, September 11, 2002.