Monday, November 25, 2013

A Month of Thankfulness: Elizabeth of The Little Black Door

Here we are readers, just a few days before Thanksgiving. Today, I have my last guest blogger of the month sharing her thoughts on thankfulness: the charming Elizabeth of Little Black Door

Certainly you all know Elizabeth and her blog Little Black Door. I'm going to go ahead and assume her blog is a staple in your blog reader, as she is never short of colorful, creative and affordable ideas that inspire her readers again and again. To top it all off, Elizabeth is an amazing, supportive, thoughtful blog friend and a faithful commenter. She has been featured in HGTV Magazine and on CNN.com and I don't think these good things could have happened to a kinder person. But enough of that...here she is!
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Thanks, Ashley, for including me in the month of thankfulness. This is a great practice that I think we should devote more time to throughout the year. Everyone needs a good kick in the head once in a while to remember to be thankful for what we have. We are all pretty lucky. As for me, I am thankful for perspective.

Almost five years ago I lost my sister and one of my best friends within a month of each other. One after a long illness and one rather suddenly. And although they happened differently, they were equally tough to take. Life seems to go into slow motion after something that traumatic happens. And even though it seems impossible at the time, things do eventually start to move and daily life takes over again. But that impact remains and it forever changes the way you look at things.
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Now make no mistake, I freak out if my DVR doesn't record "Scandal". I've found some new bedding that I'm convinced I must have and, at least once a week, I fear my children are going to drive me to lose my mind. But before I get too carried away, that perspective kicks in and I'm grateful to have the time to enjoy watching a good show. I'm grateful to have a husband who washes our worn out sheets. And I'm grateful to have the ability to spend so much time with two amazing little girls. I have friends that will stand by me until the bitter end and a family that will (and does) do anything for me. And that is really all there is. The rest is just...extra. Thank you perspective for keeping me in line.
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She's right, isn't she? Whenever I get down, I have to take a step back and count my blessings. Challenges will arise--some seeming insurmountable and others just annoying--but keeping perspective reminds me that I am very blessed.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for joining the series and contributing your very important perspective!

19 comments:

  1. Oh Elizabeth, I had no idea. Big hugs girl! xoxox

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  2. wow, elizabeth- i had no idea that you had been through such tragic loss. i am so sorry! you are such a joy with such great perspective... and i also think that feeling such great loss means that you felt such great love, and that is a gift.

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  3. Amen Elizabeth! And yup, I'm an Olivia Pope fan too! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  4. Beautiful sentiment. Well said and I wish you all the best!

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  5. Why d'ya gotta make me cry at 11:30 in the morning? You are very right that perspective is a good thing to whip us back into line once in a while. xo

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  6. Sending thanks and blessings your way this week Elizabeth! I too try my best to keep perspective...we all have a lot to be thankful for and this is the perfect week to stop and appreciate it!

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  7. Oh Elizabeth...I had absolutely no idea that you had to endure such heart-wrenching losses...and so close together. My heart feels so heavy for you and I cannot even imagine. I am so so sorry, friend. Your words were so perfectly put and your point so well made. I will remember that always...I know the feeling, but I have always struggled putting it into words like you. There are parts of our lives that perhaps on the surface (social media/blogs/etc...) look as though we care about the wrong things and I am constantly struggling trying to not only put out the inspiring decor/home/guilty pleasures of my life but also share the heart & gratitude behind it as well. Your words are just so perfect...thank you so much for sharing. ;)

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. This lovely post really puts life in perspective. Thank you for sharing your story! And Ashley - I'm so excited to "meet" you, thanks to Elizabeth! I am your newest follower. Love your blog! :)

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

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  9. Thanks for having me my friend! Happy Thanksgiving!!

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth, for such a meaningful post! It's clear that the message is one we're all appreciating (judging by all the supportive comments here). Thanks for the reminder. We are all better for it.

      Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. Oh, Elizabeth, I had no idea of your losses. Truly, perspective is so important for all the reasons you mentioned. Enduring tragedies like those really does make you see what's important. Thanks for sharing your story, and Ashley, for having you over. You girls are the best!

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  11. Elizabeth, you come across as such a happy and carefree soul it's hard to believe you've seen so much tragedy. I guess when you suffer loss like the kind you've suffered it inspires you to live each day you've been given to the fullest. Thanks for sharing your story - and Ashley AND Elizabeth- hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday

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  12. Elizabeth….I would be devastated to lose a sister…..I am so so sorry to hear that and to lose a friend so close well that really sucks. You are a good and funny soul and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family.

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  13. I'm sorry to learn about your sister and friend. So tragic and sad. Virtual hugs and kisses. Loved this post. It's always so nice to read anything to do being thankful. xx

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  14. Elizabeth, thank you for the reminder to keep things in perspective. I'm so sorry for your losses and I am grateful to call you a friend! xxoo
    Ashley, you have a great blog. I am heading directly from here to check out your 9 Christmas crafts from years past!

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  15. What a great perspective! My heart goes out to you Elizabeth- I can't imagine how painful it would be to loose one of my sisters, and a close friend. Your outlook on life is inspiring!

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  16. Oh Elizabeth ... how we look at the "upbeat" in everyone's blogs ... not really knowing what is going on in real life. You are such a special soul, and through you will your sister and best friend live. They were blessed to have you. Looking to more adventures with you in 2014!! And nice to meet you Ashley ... Pennsylvania has creeped into my life as my daughter is now at Bucknell. xo

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