West Fort Worth Lifestyle is extremely thankful for our team that helps us put together the most beautiful publication every month that we get to share with you. We couldn't do any of this without the hard work that each of them pour into this each month! We are so thankful for them and wanted to share what they are thankful for and how they stay thankful through hard times.
Hannah Barricks - Editorial Coordinator
How do you stay Thankful in hard times?
Staying present and centered in the current moment always helps me to feel more thankful. I struggle not to anxiously live in the future or relive the past. When I lose my way in the bustle of life, journaling, positive affirmations, and yoga always bring me back to the present moment.
What does Thankfulness mean to you?
Being thankful is accepting God's gifts. I understand life isn't perfect, but if I quiet my mind and stay present, I can find gratefulness in God's plan and the simple everyday moments.
What are you most Thankful for?
Family means everything to my husband and me. Our families give us the gift of witnessing our lives. And while Friendships are important, throughout life, you begin to experience them benignly come and go. In the end, my family will be there, and I'm so thankful for them.
Chantelle West - Photographer
How do you stay Thankful in hard times?
In hard times, I first try allowing myself to experience/validate those not so fun feelings that come with struggling. (I find if I don’t do this first, part two isn’t very effective) Then, I reframe the situation with questions like: What do I have/who am I now that past me would have been SO grateful for? Who do I have in my world that makes life better? Etc.
What does Thankfulness mean to you?
For me, thankfulness is all about perspective. It means choosing to focus more of my mental energy on gratitude over the things in life that bog me down…which often isn't easy!
What are you most Thankful for?
I’m most thankful for my health & the relationships I’ve fostered over the years! (This includes relationships with my family, friends, clients, God & with myself) I’ve experienced first-hand how difficult being in poor health, mentally and physically, can be. After working hard to find the root cause of my health issues and getting it in check once again, it’s given me new found gratitude for even the smallest daily life things I used to take for granted!
Nancy Farrar - Photographer
How do you stay Thankful in hard times?
No matter what’s happening, I try to look on the good things in my life. I remember that whatever the trouble is, it will be temporary, and that issues that arise in life are really opportunities to learn. I try to visualize how things will be when the issue passes. I believe our thoughts become things, which means we are creating our reality each day. I’m an eternal optimist and that’s been a very helpful trait throughout my life.
What does Thankfulness mean to you?
Thankfulness means having gratitude for all the events of our life.
What are you most Thankful for?
I’m thankful for the insight of age. The beautiful Fall light that comes through the windows at this time of year. And the joys of family and friends.
Gabrielle Cullen - Writer
How do you stay Thankful in hard times?
When it seems like the world is throwing everything it has at me, I try to take it hour by hour, day by day. I might not be able to control what happens tomorrow, next week, or next month, but I can control “right now” and by doing that, I can stay in the present. I think being present in life forces you to look at what’s in front of you, at what you have at this moment. It crowds out all the other worries or challenges.
What does Thankfulness mean to you?
Thankfulness means knowing from the heart what I’ve been given in life. I find myself having to remind myself to do this constantly (especially when I give in to scrolling my Instagram feed)! It also means being able to tell those closest to me how much they mean. You never know when someone will be gone, so being able to express gratitude for them is something that never goes out of style.
What are you most Thankful for?
I’m most thankful for my kids. Life goes by so fast. Honestly, it feels like they were toddlers yesterday, but now they are in grade school and middle school, discovering their passions and making friends. I’m so proud of the people they are becoming, and I’m thankful that they still come to me for hugs, want to tell me about their day, and hang out with me on the weekends. Being a parent is a lifelong journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.