Thanksgiving: Traditions and New Experiences
Wherever you are on your journey, embrace the traditions and new experiences your life gives you and remember the world needs you to shine your light.
Whenever I travel to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving to visit my husband’s family, we stay at the Inn at Timber Cove.
Jim and I have been going there one to two times a year for 15 years and the owners are like family.
Traditions and New Experiences - Upside Thinking
Their customer service, attention to detail, and hospitality makes it a first-class experience which is why they have 54 reviews on trip advisor and all of them are 5-star ratings (and why I’m considering offering women’s leadership retreat there in the near future).
Whenever we visit in November, I enjoy the same routine.
Being there serves as my annual planning retreat – and it’s a great place to reflect and take inventory on the past year’s successes and failures.
While there are closer airports to fly into, we arrive into Minneapolis, Minnesota and make the 3 ½ hour trek by car before getting into town.
We love the scenery and it gives us time to unwind on the drive.
Over the years, a lot has changed – and this year was no different.
Every morning I wake up and walk with their dogs.
The oldest, Bella, passed away in the Spring and so it was just me and their two golden retrievers, Jim and Dolly.
As we roam through the woods (they have over 20 acres of land), the dogs explore and I connect with the sounds and smells of nature, being present and basking in the gratitude of my life.
Walking in the woods brings a peace and serenity to my soul – the kind that feels like going home.
Going camping and being in nature was an experience my Mom gifted my sister and I growing up.
And, it’s why I became a lifetime Girl Scout, stronger for the lessons in resilience and perseverance I learned while backpacking, rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, and hiking.
After walking the dogs, I head back to the Inn to get ready for the day and have breakfast with Jim.
Brian and Tina, the owners of the bed and breakfast, prepare a hearty meal that lets you feel loved and well-cared for – and ready to start the day. (This is one of the things that hasn’t changed.)
On the first full day we’re in town, one of the local churches hosts a Christmas bazaar and craft show and I’ve gone to for the past 14 years.
Six months ago, the church closed and I had to find a new place to spend my morning.
Another change as life moves on….
Brian shared there was an event at different church so after breakfast I went to check out the craft show.
After spending 90 minutes there – and buying a few treasures for my clients, I went to a few more local stores that I always support when I’m in town, and typically always the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
There were more changes as the town looked a little different with old stores closing or going out of business and new stores coming in.
Since the town is a town of 8000, the downtown is small – and when a store moves out it is noticeable.
The rest of the week was filled with writing and planning activities – and a few client appointments.
On Tuesday afternoon, I decided to head out to the Memorial Medical Center (MMC) Thrift Shop to give myself a break from my work and because it’s a stop I always make.
In general, I like going to consignment shops and thrift shops especially ones where the monies go to a good cause.
Jim and I drop our stuff off at Capital Caring at home because 100% of the proceeds from the store benefit those who cannot afford hospice, specifically because we have loved ones who have benefitted from services like these.
And, the MMC is much the same.
As I wandered around the store, I found a Victoria Secret maroon skirt for $1 (score!), and 10 greeting cards for 10 cents each (woo-hoo!).
I place the items on the counter to check out and was engaged in dialogue with the cashier.
In the middle of our interaction, a woman entered the store, walked directly over to the counter, and abruptly interrupted us, waving a piece of paper in the cashier’s face.
Speaking loudly, she shared that she had a $20 voucher to use in the store and asked what she could buy.
The cashier behind the counter (let’s call her Dottie) was startled and it took her a few moments to respond.
After Dottie collected herself, read through the document and responded, the woman wanted to know if it was good for socks.
After she had her answers, she left the counter and began shopping.
Dottie shared she was embarrassed and apologized profusely for the interruption. (She was still a bit shaken up.)
The interaction had actually moved me to tears as I was there shopping for fun, and this woman was there out of need.
I shared with her, “There by the grace of God go I.” – and then she was moved to tears as well.
For a moment, the world stood still as we were both experiencing the same wash of gratitude to be on the serving side for this woman.
It was one of the greatest gifts of the trip.
I love those moments where courageous, vulnerable leadership is alive and well in the world.
Wherever you are on your journey, remember the world needs you to shine your light brightly.
We live in a world that is desperate for courageous, vulnerable leaders who want to make a positive difference on the planet.
Take a stand for something – because people get behind where your heart lies, not your knowledge.
The world truly needs you and your brilliance.
Action Item: Traditions and New Experiences - Lisa Marie Platske
The Upside Challenge of the week is to actively, consciously and boldly shine your light.
I invite you to actively look for situations where you can make a difference.
Comfort doesn’t change the world.
Vulnerability changes everything.
Upside Your Business & Your Life!
