Have you ever tried to get someone to try something new? Maybe a new food, a new experience or just a new way to do an activity? Or have you been the one who had to be coaxed into something you thought you would never do and then ended up loving it?
We have all been there. Reluctant at first, shaking our heads no but then taking a tiny baby step into the unknown and we are almost always glad we did!
If you have someone who routinely “stretches” you either physically or mentally (in a good way) then on this “Thoughtful Thursday” you owe them some “Gumby Gratitude” because like Gumby they made you stretch in good positive ways!
I have six people in my life that not only stretch me on a regular basis but remind me it’s okay to do fun things and quit being such a grown-up!
Every year I do a special day with each of the grandkids ( ages 11,10,9,8,6 and 3). They get to pick the activities we do together and lately it has been quite an adventure. I am praying my body continues to cooperate !!!
This year we did everything from a fashion show out of my closet to ice skating to swinging in the trees at “Go Ape”.
So indulge me as I hand out my “Gumby Gratitude” to my grandchildren:
What a gift you all have given me! Thank you Nick, Cris, Ava, Summer, Bella and Tristun!
You reminded me that:
- It’s easier and much more fun to just jump into the Tarzan swing instead of trying to ease into it ( less scary too)
- I can climb trees, rope ladders, zip line with the best of you!
- Falling can be fun ( well I was in a harness)
- Ice Skating in the summer is the bomb and you thought I looked like I knew what I was doing ( if you only knew)
- Hanging out at the pool, splashing, standing on our hands, and diving for stuff is way more fun than just sitting and watching
- An 8 yr old can do my makeup and I can learn from it…plus what fun it was to play fashion show with my own clothes and shoes
- Your fascination with my old typewriter reminded me how far we have come and how much I want to share other things with you ( pay phones, dial phones, the wonders of carbon paper, real photos, stick shift cars and roll up windows) Everything old is new again!
- AND Chocolate Chip pancakes for any meal are the best as long as you follow them with homemade chocolate chip cookies!!! YUM
Thanks for stretching and challenging me. It has been and continues to be a blast. I hope we can continue to learn from one another and see the world through each others eyes.
I sincerely hope that the idea of “Gumby Gratitude” catches on. Thankfully none of us have to turn green to do it. Now go out and spread some “Gumby Gratitude” to those people who make you stretch into more of who you are meant to be.
And as always…Make it a Thoughtful One!
P.S. Leaving you with a few photos of some of our “Gumby” adventures!
