This Thanksgiving week I want to thank all of you.
Thank you for being part of the Cycle Forward community.
Thank you for inviting me into your communities and entrusting me with the work that you do.
Thank you to those who have crossed over the threshold from “client” to collaborator and friend.
Thank you for joining me in marveling at the natural world and for being good stewards.
Thank you for teaching me about nature (and the nature of communities) and allowing me to teach you as well.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that can be difficult for people. Personally, I hope to avoid certain dinner table conversations in this divided time. I grapple with knowing my beliefs are so far apart from some family members’. I hold a space for those who are missing loved ones, while also feeling the magnitude of my own losses. I try to allow for the duality of feeling immense gratitude and recognizing the myths of the Thanksgiving story.
I sometimes talk about how stewards set the table for outdoor experiences. We all are setting the table in some way. As we gather around our dinner tables this week, let’s be mindful of the metaphorical table we’re setting and the communities we’re building. And however your Thanksgiving goes (hopefully splendidly!) know that you’re part of a larger community and I’m grateful that you are part of mine.
Opt Outside and Small Business Saturday
If you didn’t already know…
Friday provides us an opportunity to “Opt Outside” (an REI-inspired movement to spend time outdoors rather than Black Friday shopping in big box stores…even REI itself).
Saturday is Small Business Saturday. Please support your local businesses!