Last weekend, I dragged my husband to the Arts and Crafts Festival to a section of Tampa called Temple Terrace. The closest parking was about a half mile from the event. When we walked through a parking area into the part, a regal-looking historic building sat majestically on a bed of lush green grass.
Built in 1914 as a horse stable, The Woodmont Clubhouse is the oldest structure in Temple Terrace. It served as a schoolhouse and is now the home of the Woman’s Club and a venue for special events.
As I squinted at the building, I marveled at its timeless beauty and rich history. I found myself lost in thoughts of transformation. The transformation of a horse stable to a schoolhouse. And, then, to a venue for special occasions.
I thought of resilience and evolution. This brought me back to the theme of transformation. Which, of course, means personal growth for me. I pondered how we could convert this sense of transformation into a Thanksgiving mindset?
Timeless beauty.
Architectural grandeur.
Serene and tranquil.
A treasure trove of memories.
Harmonious and picturesque.
It is simple:
Transformation and Introspection.
You can’t have one without the other.
Let’s begin with Introspection.
Introspection requires:
- Developing a Gratitude Attitude
- Improving Self through Assessment Tools
- Understanding Healthy Dynamics of Relationships
- Practicing Mindfulness
- Respecting Cultural and Spiritual Interpretations
Introspection demands a heart of gratitude to understand the emotions and attachments we have with things. Embracing ourselves as unique sons and daughters of the Almighty Designer of the Universe initiates this journey.
You must work at it!
Self-improvement involves learning lessons, identifying areas for growth, and recognizing strengths through self-assessment tools.
You must work at it!
Strengthening our relationships with others involves observing and learning from them.
You must work at it!
By examining our origins, family system, and individual experiences, we can better recognize triggers so we can redirect ourselves in a healthier way. Digging deep into childhood and unpacking past trauma takes work! It is not for the faint of heart.
You must work at it!
Mindfulness, a multifaceted practice, involves grounding ourselves in the present, examining the past through a magnifying glass with a different lens, creating space to dream, and setting goals for personal growth.
You must work at it!
By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of introspection, we can truly celebrate beyond material abundance to a godly abundance within ourselves and share joy with those we cherish.
We’ll explore Transformation next time.