live in the momentEach year I usually write a post about all the things I am grateful for. This year it just didn't seem right to simply list all the things I am thankful for. I can't put my gratitude in a list.

I had  given up on writing a Thanksgiving post today as I didn't want to push yet one more “what I am thankful for list” out into the blogosphere.

My goal with blogging is not just to get readers, web visits and opt-ins to our email list, but to inspire you to read, engage and take something away from what I write. Take something that makes you think, dream, do and live better.

@Handsfreemama Changed my Day

Just when I thought a blog post was not in the horizon for at least a couple days, @Handsfreemama changed that for me today.

It was a typical early morning at the nut (Moore) house. Me and my 8 year old son are usually the first out of bed. We spend our quiet time together, cuddle under a cozy blanket on the couch as we talk and giggle in quiet, watch tv or play with the iPad.

Today after we had our giggles and cuddles I hopped back online for a few. Within my news feed was the most inspiring and sweet post from HandsFreeMama. I have copied it below for your enjoyment.

NOW is the time to enjoy the moment!

The words fell off the page into my heart and soul. It reminded me that the best way we can show gratitude to those we love this holiday is to simply be with them. To live in the moment with them, as there truly is no better time to enjoy the moment, than right now.

Before reading the post I was already dressed and ready for the gym. Ready to get on my day of work, cooking and enjoying time with family.

However, after reading her post I was even more inspired to fit time in for my family, for my friends both online and offline who I am oh so every thankful for.

Changed my day, will it change yours? 

How did this change my day? Well, I took off the workout clothes, took a shower and added an extra two hours to my day. Heck I am going to stuff my face with pumpkin bars all afternoon so I'll just have to get some exercise via mixing and running around with my rugrats ;)

How will I use the extra time? Well, only God knows as it will be spent living in the moment. I have a lot of pumpkin bars to make and deliver, hugs to give and people to thank.

I hope that today, tomorrow, Friday, this weekend and every day you take time to live in the moment. You only have one life so make it count.

Don't waste your weekend tweeting 24/7 to keep a Klout, Kred, PeerIndex or other influence score up.

Focus instead on influencing the ones you love in real life. Yes, send the tweets, thank your online friends but do it genuinely. Be human. Be real. Show them your real gratitude and that you are a human being that cares for them and wants them to enjoy time enjoying their life moments as well. Put the bot posts on hold and be real.

thank you for being you! Thank You

Thank you to each and every one of you who are reading this. I thank you for the time you have taken out of your day to visit my blog, read it and possibly open up your mind to a different way of thinking.

I thank you for your inspiration, education, tweets, infographics, Facebook posts, participation in our community including our weekly #GetRealChat at 9pm et on Tuesdays. I thank you for the laughs, giggles and for always being you even if you don't feel like doing such.

I thank you for sharing this journey with me. I thank you for the the time we will spend together in the coming days, months, and years, learning, growing and living life together.

I thank you for pushing me to be my best. I thank you for being YOU!

 

get real gratitudeThe Challenge

Are you willing to take the  “Live in the Moment” challenge with us? Are you ready to get real with the ones you love. Have the conversations that need to be had. Give the extra hug? Get real with the ones you love and who love you? Trade a tweet for a sweet treat and kiss from a little one? Call up that old friend who you haven't talked to in years? Or even mend a relationship that needs mending? What you say? Let's go be hands free mamas, daddy's, aunts, uncles, nieces, grand daughters and friends! Let's do this!

 

handsfreemamaFrom HandsFreeMama Facebook Post:

“Now is the time …
Now is the time to look into their eyes until they succumb to sleep.
Now is the time to say ‘I love you' so many times you lose your voice.
Now is the time to hold them until your arms grow tired.
Now is the time to laugh until your belly hurts.
Now is the time to listen and absorb every silly, tender word.
Now is the time to memorize every smile.
Now is the time to think thoughts of gratitude until you account for every blessing.
Now it the time to perceive ordinary moments as gifts.
Now is the time to live in THIS moment.
Now is the time; now is the time.
Because you just never know what’s about to come your way.”
Rachel Macy Stafford©

This page will be quiet for a few days in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, but I know you understand; together we’re striving to let go of distraction so we can grasp the moments that matter – with the people who matter most. Thank you for being a part of  The Hands Free Revolution.