It's the time of the year when a lot of people think about what they're grateful for. It doesn't even take Thanksgiving to make us do that -- just the month itself will make us think about gratitude.

One of the things I'm working on right now is finding more time in my day for me. I know, we all are, right? It's a question of making choices about how we spend our time. Yes, there's a certain number of hours we have to give to others or other things every day and we can't change that. Really,all we can do is what we must and be the best we can be and enjoy it because ... well, we have to. There are responsibilities, relationships, bills to pay, all that. But at some point, we need some "me."

I'm from the baby boomer generation and we are notorious over-achievers. Even if I don't say I over-achieve, I certainly try to work just a little more, just a little harder, every day. And, well, I've had to admit recently that it's not good for my health and it's not good for my happiness level. Some things I enjoy have slid by the wayside. At the book signing at the quilt shop this evening, someone asked if I quilted. Well, I have't been able to for a long time. I've also not been able to read as much as I love to, or some other things I enjoy doing. And you know when someone isn't enjoying herself enough she probably isn't as much fun as she should be. Just saying!

So I'm slowing down a little and trying to enjoy what time I have each day. I want to have more fun and take better care of myself and I want to be even more grateful for this time I'm given here on earth. This afternoon, I spent time poking around the quilt store and looking at material. I got myself a new book. I played more than usual with my little dogs. And I didn't grade papers like I should have. I enjoyed some "me" time.

People are looking at the Amish more these days because they think they have some answers about simplifying and doing with less and so on. I think the Amish also know how to stay in the moment more and are grateful for what God has given us. They work hard but they know how to find moments to enjoy -- especially God's wonderful natural environment.

How do you find time for yourself? How do you stay "in the moment" each day?

One last note:  have you checked out Goodreads.com? The group "Fans of Amish Fiction" chose A Time to Love as this month's book to discuss. It has been SUCH a fun discussion. I hope you'll go there and check it out! And remember to go to last week's blog and register for the basket of quilt supplies contest...

Have a great weekend!

Barbara

P.S. If you live near the Altamonte Springs/Orlando, Florida area, stop by the Romancing the Holidays event at the Altamonte Mall fromm 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6.