It’s that time of year when everyone eats and drinks. And travels. And complains about family. Or the drive. Or the green bean casserole. And special for 2010  we can add groping to the list. Thanks TSA!

And then, like a thief in the darkness of night, we randomly mention what we are thankful for. WTH? You just got done complaining and griping. Are you really thankful? Or were you peer pressured into being thankful? Be thankful because you want to be. Be happy. Be loving. Gosh, this sounds like a Valentine’s Day post!

And be thankful from your heart. Be grateful YEAR round. Not just turkey and pumpkin pie week. Although it serves as a good reminder to count our blessings.

Here is a radical idea. Yes, I amaze myself with brilliant ideas. Kidding. Write down what you are thankful for. Put it in a special spot (don’t forget where!) Then in February when you want to be at a beach sipping a margarita but are snowbound, pull it out. Read it. Are you still thankful? Or are you just thankful because it was the thing to do way back when? Remember, thankfulness is not a season, it’s a lifestyle.

What are you grateful for? Reply to this post! Then in a few months we’ll re-read them. Cool?

Now go be nice to those around you (yes, including the TSA). And don’t eat the whole pie!

Photo by: Patrick Hoesly

Announcing with excitement!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

At 8:45 am

The arrival of the 20, 000 post was written

@sarahstanley is thrilled that you are a part of her journey called life

Please send any congratulatory wishes, running gear, music, spa treatments, chocolate,  or other goodies her way.

Reflection:

Wow. I can’t believe that I have actually written 20, 000 thoughts. Some have been while I was training. Or while running 50 or 100 miles. There have been quotes. Race recaps. Friendly banter between new friends. Moments of feeling good. Times when I was feeling the pain of running 100 miles. Other posts have been feelings. Inspiration. Encouragement. Motivation. My real life in real time.

Thank you for reading them. Thank you being here. Thank you for being a part of my little world.

And, I would be remiss not to thank dear Twitter. Thank you for allowing me to share my life with so many people. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this. So thank you.

T0 20k more and beyond!

xoxo

Sarah:)

Today I would like to feature a thought. And that thought is “friends”.

We all have friends in our lives. Some may have more then others, but the number doesn’t matter. Its the relationship that does.

Thought #1) are the friends in your life positive or negative?

Thought #2) what kind of friend are you?

Thought #3) are you a friend only to receive something in return or because you care about them?

I don’t know your answers, but these thoughts are some good reminders to think about. Sometimes we get so caught up in having “friends” but not really having a relationship that says “hey, I care about you” or “how are you, I mean HOW ARE you REALLY?” Or “what’s going on in your life?”

Its the quality of a friendship that counts, not the quantity.

I am very blessed & extremely grateful & thankful to have many true friends in my life. However, I want to thank two dear friends in particular that came to my rescue this week.

It is because they cared about me that they reached out to me & genuinely wanted to make sure everything was ok. That my friends (no pun intended) is what a friend is all about! Thank you to C & M!!!! I am honored to have you a part of my life.

Photo by notsogoodphotography