Hello Winter Texan Friends! I hope you haven’t gotten rained in too much and are still able to enjoy activities at your park, at neighboring parks, time with friends, or getting outside a bit.

I know it’s been wet, and some outdoor events were cancelled this past weekend, but hopefully we’ll dry up a bit and get to enjoy the outdoors in the nicer temperatures. At least for a few days before some more wet weather decides to come in. I say, take it while you can, the Valley needs the rain. Albeit, we can’t always handle too much at once, though.

November is a time of giving. I always say that this time of year. It’s also a time to be thankful for all the blessings you have received throughout the year… or what you are thankful for on the daily.

On the daily, I am thankful for my friends and family, and all the little bright spots that happen throughout my day. These bright spots can be something as simple as a nice word at the grocery store, someone texting me out of the blue just to say hi, or just knowing that things are going to be good.

This year I am so thankful for my church family that has been a helping hand when I need it. My ‘tribe’ that will come over with little warning and help me get my house clean or bring me chocolate when I need a little pick-me-up. I am blessed by so many that care and show their concern when they see me stumbling.

Most of all, I am thankful for my faith and the blessings that I receive because of that faith. It brings me so much hope for brighter days when my day seems so dark.

Think about your little daily blessings, or the blessings you can give to others. I have noticed that by changing one or two words, I can bring a bigger smile on someone’s face. I have learned to tell people how much I appreciate them, just by saying ‘I appreciate you.’ And it doesn’t have to be for something big. It can be simply saying it to the gentleman at the deli that sliced the meat for you, or the bagger sacking your groceries. When you add the word ‘you’ at the end, I feel like I am showing that I see them, I see what they are doing, and I acknowledge that work.

It really helps me get through my day when I notice the little things. The little things that bring a smile to my face, but also the little things that bring a smile to someone else’s face.

A smile is contagious, and one of the easiest things to pass along. You never know what an impact it will have on someone – just to smile, say hello, or tell someone how much you appreciate them – no matter how small the act is.

Go ahead and try it this week and see how it makes you feel. I hope that you can find ways to be more thankful and express your gratitude to those around you.

If you know someone that has had an impact on you, an organization, or your park, let us know. We would love to share their story. You can email us ideas, or your stories, to news@wintertexantimes.com.