In honor of the convergence of November (National Gratitude Month) and the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (sometimes referred to as a mar or "bitter" month because of the lack of holidays), I committed to sharing gratitude publicly for 30 days to show that there is no mar/bitterness in this month.

Sometimes I had a dozen things in mind and had to choose one, and sometimes I felt like I just needed to come up with something.

Sometimes I expressed gratitude over something pretty significant, and sometimes it was definitely the littles of things.

Sometimes it was something intentional and planned (and in my control), and sometimes not at all.

This is my second year engaging in this practice, and I am not surprised to see some significant overlap from year to year as my daily choices truly reflect my core value and priorities in this world.

I am truly grateful

November 1

Today I am grateful for all things fall, especially this beautiful tree in my front yard.

I love fall. I love the change of weather. I love pumpkin spice. I love watching the leaves change colors (first in the mountains and then in Denver). I love corn mazes and pumpkin patches and football and the Jewish holidays during this season.

I am grateful that fall is both a transition period -- between the heat of summer and the snow of winter. And fall is amazing in and of itself and shares such a powerful lesson about being present.

The leaves are green one day, yellow the next, and gone the following day.

The weather is hot one day, perfect the next, and cold the following day.

Before we know it, the winter holidays are here.

Thank you, fall, for your gift of presence.

November 2

Today I am grateful for Shabbat.

Heschel discusses Shabbat as a palace or island in time, made separate from the other six days through both intentional actions and abstentions.

For us, Shabbat is a day of reading and going for walks and playing games and competing in basketball and making time for conversations.

As my kids get older and more independent and busy, I so look forward to this day -- when we're device-free and literally given the gift of time.

November 3

Today I am grateful for all things Denver.

We filled our day with raking leaves, attending the re-opening celebration of the Central Library, watching the Broncos game, and participating in the Aurora Borealis Festival.

And while none of these are necessarily a Denver thing, it all goes to why I love Denver so much.

We have seasons. We can be outside in November. We're big enough to have major sports teams and festivals and museums and really great cultural and educational experiences.

And we don't feel like some of the big cities.

As a proud Colorado native, I am so grateful each day to live in a place I love so much.

November 4

Today I am grateful for mornings.

This morning is dark and cold and wet.

As it's also quiet and calm and so full of potential.

I have always been a morning person. I woke up early in high school to do my homework. I rowed crew and had practice at 4:15 each morning during college. My days now generally start at 4:45 am.

I love getting up early and being in total control of my time before the rest of the world wakes up, giving me time to go for a walk, exercise or meditate, journal, and get organized for the day.

I'm my most creative and insightful and efficient in the morning, so I make sure anything that needs extra attention happens before 10 am. Because, in my mind, the day is over after then.

Anyone with kids knows that this past weekend's time change did not mean an extra hour of sleep -- it meant an extra hour of morning. It was a really long day, but I was grateful for the extra hour.

I am grateful to know that, no matter what is going on in my world or the greater world, tomorrow will bring a fresh morning.

November 5

Today I am grateful for yoga.

My love of yoga didn't come easily; it's something I've wanted to like since I was a teenage and just really struggled to get into.

I'd take a class here or there (usually because a friend dragged me), and I just didn't connect. It wasn't strenuous enough for me to consider it to be a workout, and it wasn't restful enough for me to find any restoration.

And then, when Margalit was about two years old (roughly seven years ago), I wanted to find something to do just for me.

I looked at the JCC class schedule, and there was a 7:30 pm restorative yoga class, so I figured I'd give it a try. And then I committed to it as my weekly non-mom time.

Since then, I've really adopted a yoga practice. I go to three different classes each week.

And, while I really don't know the differences between vinyasa and flow and hatha and yin and all of the other types, each of the three classes I attend serves a different purpose at that specific time of the week.

I now appreciate yoga as a form of mindfulness. My focus on the posture and my breathing provides a sort of "white noise" to keep me from getting too deep into my thoughts...and, as I've gotten stronger and older, I truly appreciate the strength building/stretching/flexibility it offers.

I don't always look forward to yoga because sometimes I just don't want to make the time.

But I am always glad I went. I always leave with a sense of calm empowerment and mental clarity.

Thank you, yoga!

November 6

Today I am grateful for my fireplace.

When we bought our house 11 years ago, re-doing the fireplace and converting to gas was something I really wanted. Our realtor told us it wouldn't help with resale value, and I didn't care.

Because on days like today, where it's 30 degrees and snowy, I really love being able to press a button and feeling immediately warm and cozy.

I'm still not 100% over my mystery illness, and I got my COVID and flu shots yesterday, so I'll be curled up on the couch with my laptop and a blanket and warm tea all day.

And I'm so grateful to 11-years-ago me for insisting on making the fireplace what I wanted. Just because.

November 7

Today I am grateful for work from home.

While other places are experiencing warmer-than-usual falls, we, here in Denver, are experiencing our first real snowfall of the year.

I love snow. Truly. I love skiing and sledding. I love how the world sounds different when there is snow on the ground. I love how a dusting of snow totally changes the landscape.

And, after driving the three minutes to drop my kids off at school, I was so grateful that I just got to turn around and come home.

I have a really full day, packed with virtual meetings and interesting client work. And I didn't have to spend 30 minutes on slick roads to start the day. I get to sit in my quiet home, with my fall-scented candle, watching the snow fall from the windows. And just get in the flow.

I recently read the book "Over Work" by Brigid Schulte, and one of the points she makes it how effective the flexibility to work from home can be.

I am grateful to have that flexibility.

November 8

Today I am grateful for snow days.

Recognizing how disruptive this kind of schedule change can be, there is something to glorious about a day to just be a kid -- sleep in, eat pancakes, go sledding, build a snow man.

When the city kind of shuts down, and you're forced out of your routine.

In a post-COVID world, I know there was a movement to get rid of the traditional snow day and, instead, have remote learning on days when in-person learning couldn't happen.

And I am so grateful my kiddos haven't had that. Because snow days are the best days!

I am really torn on whether the new protocol of calling snow days the night before is "better." On the one hand, I understand the necessity for larger districts for planning ahead...and it's really nice to know the night before that you can just take it easy the night before.

And, it makes me a little sad that my kids will never know the joy of unexpectedly waking up to a snow day.

But today, full of chocolate chip pancakes with kiddos bundled up and making snow man, I am so grateful for the snow day (advance notice and all).

November 9

Today I'm grateful for friends -- old and new.

I've heard it said that people are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. And I'm so fortunate to have had amazing people in my life that fall into each of those categories.

Yesterday, I had a virtual chat with one of my oldest friends -- someone I've known for nearly 35 years. She was at my Bat Mitzvah and the first person with whom I drove alone after I got my license. She knew my mom. And knows so much of what shaped me into the person I am. And while her life is so very different from mine, our friendship has grown as we've grown.

And today, I spent some time getting to know a brand new friend whose son plays football with Itai. After a few hours together, I know her a little better. Maybe we'll be friends for a day or a month or for years to come.

I sometimes joke with people that because I never went to kindergarten, I don't know how to make friends.

And while I'll never have anywhere near as many friends as my brother, I have truly amazing friends.

And I'm grateful for every single one -- whether I have them for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

November 10

Today I am grateful for Colorado weather.

Fun fact: this past week, Denver got its 12th largest snow storm on record.

And today, it's beautiful. Blue skies... So sunny and so warm that I didn't even need a jacket while I walked around the park. Clear view of the snow-dusted mountains.

Next week is supposed to be sunny and relatively warm, so the snow will be gone soon.

I love seasons. And I'm not interested in cold all winter long. Or hot all summer long.

Yes, it means that we often dress in layers and can never shift seasonal clothes from our closet.

And I love that we may have a 70 degree day in the middle of winter. And that it may snow in May.

The variance and unpredictability reminds me that nothing is forever. That the sun may hide for a few days, but it'll be back.

It allows for us to get outside throughout the year and appreciate nature.

It means that we have to take advantage of certain weather when we have it.

And it means that we have to be flexible and have a Plan B always.

Today I'm grateful for this beautiful day.

November 11

Today I am grateful for morning walks.

My son Itai says that I am weirdly obsessed with walking. It's kind of a running joke in our family. And it may or may not be true.

But something that definitely is true is that I am definitely committed to my morning walk.

I go for a walk every morning -- and it doesn't matter if it's dark or cold or raining.

And it doesn't matter if I'm tired or sad or stressed.

I pull on gloves or a rain jacket or various layers and go.

Sometimes I listen to a podcast or an audio book, and sometimes I just listen to the world around me.

Sometimes I have a specific question I consider, and sometimes I let my mind wander.

I almost always take the same route around my neighborhood. Almost always really early. And almost always alone.

And sometimes one of my kids come. Sometimes I go a little later if I'm unfamiliar with the area. Sometimes I mix it up a little.

And, no matter what, I always feel "better" afterwards -- whether that means more awake or more motivated or more clear or less sad or more empowered.

I don't always want to get up and go for my morning walk, and I am always glad that I did.

I am grateful for my morning walks.

November 12

Today I am grateful for Freddy and Dave.

Last week, in a moment of frustration, I impulse bought a new washer and dryer (as one does), and the dryer that was first delivered was defective.

I was super annoyed about having to have a new new dryer delivered.

Enter Freddy and Dave.

I shared with them the problem that I was having, and then they pointed out that neither my washer nor my dryer had been installed properly by the previous team (a vent wasn't attached, a tube was missing, etc).

They told me they would fix it, and I went back to work.

A few minutes later, they asked if they could do a whole project for me and rearrange the washer and dryer so that the doors opened in a way that was better for me. They told me their next delivery cancelled on them, so they had a few minutes and could make it happen.

And then they asked if they could use some of my glass cleaner so that my appliances would look brand new again.

Freddy and Dave didn't have to make more work for themselves.

They didn't have to go above and beyond to solve my problems.

But they did.

And while it seems small, I will think of them every time I do laundry (which is often with four kids) and be grateful that these two strangers made my life a little bit easier.

Thank you, Freddy and Dave.

November 13

Today I am grateful for little things that are completely in my control and bring me joy.

With a focus today on fresh flowers and scented candles.

Most of my Zoom meetings take place from my dining room table. Those in the meetings with me get a view of my kids' artwork behind me.

And I get a view of my front room...and fresh flowers on my table.

I always have fresh flowers on my dining room table and on my dresser in my bedroom.

And every time I pass either of them, they make me smile. Because they are pretty and remind me of nature and make me feel special.

Sometimes my table also features a scented candle.

Fun fact: I was kicked in the face by a horse in sixth grade and don't have much of a sense of smell.

But sometimes I can smell the candles. And that's kind of cool (today's scent is pumpkin spice...because I'm not done with fall yet).

And always the candles make me think of my mom who died almost 14 years ago.

It's traditional in Judaism to light a candle in honor of loved ones at certain times of year.

They make candles that are designed to last 24 hours for this specific purpose. But once I didn't have one on hand, but I did have a fancy scented candle, so I used that. And it lasted for three days. And for three days, I felt closer to my mom.

And that makes me smile. And feel loved and connected. And special.

Flowers and candles aren't big things.

But they are things that I can almost always control and always bring me a little extra joy.

So today I am grateful for these little things.

November 14

Today I am grateful for opportunities to learn.

I was in school for a very long time...from high school to college to my master's to my doctorate. I felt a little lost after I earned my doctorate as I wasn't really sure how to keep learning without being part of a structured academic program.

Turns out there are lots of ways.

I read, a lot -- sometimes as much as three books a week.

I go to museums and cultural events and watch documentaries.

I participate in professional development opportunities.

It's not the same as an ongoing academic degree. It takes a lot more intention on my end to consider what kind of learning I want and seek out good-fit opportunities and screen out others. It means I have to carve out time and make it a priority. It means I have to hold myself accountable.

I am spending all day today and tomorrow, for example, in an online workshop where I am not facilitating. I am not teaching. I am not being paid.

I am paying to learn and to grow as an investment in myself.

I signed up for this opportunity not knowing what mid-November would look like and blocked out two full days.

This week has been a lot, and it's taken a lot of discipline to keep my schedule clear for these two days.

And I'm doing it.

Because I am a lifelong learner and make that a priority in my life.

And I am grateful that there are always opportunities to keep learning.

November 15

Today I am grateful for the library.

We are a family of readers (one of my points of pride as a mother!), and one of our traditions is our Friday afternoon trip to the library.

The kids can get as many books as they want, and we often walk out with bags full (like treasure!).

I choose picture books that look interesting, and we have family story time on Friday evening.

And our Saturday mornings are often spent lounging around reading.

Yes, we appreciate the library for the IdeaLab/maker space and comfortable place to work with free WiFi. We love the free snacks and the programming they provide.

And the books!

I can only imagine how much it would cost me if I had to buy every single one of these books.

So, yes, I am super grateful for the library!

November 16

Today I'm grateful for the Christmas season.

Don't get me wrong -- I am a proud Jew and don't actually celebrate Christmas.

I just love the pervasive joy around this time of year.

I love the music and the lights and the celebrations.

I love that people just seem to want to spread cheer, however that looks.

I love gingerbread and pine and cranberry spritz flavors and scents.

And while I'm a firm believer that Thanksgiving gets a little forgotten in the mix and deserves a little more attention, I'm okay with the Christmas season (and all that entails) starting early.

Especially right now, I'm grateful for the joy of the Christmas season.

November 17

Today I am grateful for time with Itai and Ori.

While there are lots of things all four kids enjoy, and we can do together, there are some things that don't work like that.

Three kids like skiing. One kid wanted to go to Taylor Swift. Two kids like the ballet.

And two kids like Broncos games.

So, today, I get special time with Itai and Ori.

On a semi-related note, I am grateful for...

Beautiful November weather.

My cheesy, bright orange Broncos shoes.

The amazing DJ at the game (and for the fact that everyone at the stadium dances).

With four kiddos, it's sometimes hard to get special time with them.

So today, I'm so grateful to have gotten this time.

Go Broncos!!!

November 18

Today I am grateful for getting to do work I love with people I respect.

I really love that I have a variety of different projects on my plate -- from overseeing an initiative that looks at teaching Hebrew as a second language to students with dyslexia and language learning challenges...to working with schools and organizations around the country on integrating AI...to serving as a project manager for a retreat that brings together some of the most "innovative" minds in day school education -- that all go towards my business tagline of "empowering excellence and innovation in Jewish education."

Every day is different. Today I got to present virtually in a national conference and teach a class. Sometimes I travel. Sometimes I facilitate. Sometimes I listen. Sometimes I get to sit in quiet and delve into my work.

And all of it means that I get to work with inspiring and brilliant and passionate people who push me to be better every day.

I don't take for granted the path and process that I took to get here. And I appreciate every step of it.

I am so grateful my work -- both the actual work and impact...and the people!

November 19

Today I am grateful for the mountains.

While I truly love living in Denver (really!), I also really love that the mountains are just a short drive away from my house.

So, whether it's for a few hours, a day, a night, or longer, it's an easy escape.

Being in the mountains feels a world away. It's restorative in a way I can't explain.

The air is different. The sounds are different. The views are incredible.

Sometimes I love to hike in the mountains...sometimes ski...sometimes sit and stare...and other times, go about my life, but with the mountains as the backdrop.

The mountains both remind me how small I am and instill a sense of humility...and inspire me to grow and conquer and take on the world around me.

Today I am grateful for the mountains and the clarity, calm, and inspiration they bring.

November 20

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to try new things.

One of the truly amazing things about getting older is really knowing (unapologetically) what I like and don't like.

I like to get up early and don't like staying up late.

Water is my favorite thing to drink. I hate eating anything creamy (except ice cream).

I love yoga. I hate running.

I am a creature of habit and really like my routines. And, I like what I like.

And, trying new things (even at my old age) is still important.

Last night I had the chance to try aqua biking for the first time.

It's exactly how it sounds -- riding a bike in the water.

Not something I've ever tried before...and I jumped at the opportunity to try it.

I like water. I like riding a bike. And, worst case scenario, it's an hour of my time.

It was actually really fun, and the scenery was beautiful. A little odd and totally different. And definitely new.

Today I am grateful for new opportunities.

November 21

Today I am grateful for the people I pay to make my life easier.

Tomorrow is "cleaner Friday." I am practically frolicking around my house while I tidy as I think about how clean my house will be tomorrow.

I have an amazing cleaner who comes twice a month. And a great sprinkler guy who makes sure my system is working properly. And a fabulous plumbing and heating company who has helped when my basement flooded or my toilet wouldn't flush or my hot water heater started leaking. I have a brilliant financial planner and accounting firm who work together, knowing my financial goals, to help me make the best decisions for me and my future.

Could I do all of these things on my own?

With YouTube and my shelves of cleaning supplies and my undergraduate degree in business, I'm sure I could.

But I don't want to. And I wouldn't do it as well as these people.

And my doing any of these things would take my time and bandwidth away for things (and people) I love.

I don't delegate everything. I mow my lawn and do my own grocery shopping and cooking and pick up my kids from school.

But I'm the only adult in my household, and I can't do it all. And I'm grateful to have the choice to not do it all.

Today I am grateful for these people who do the things they do (for me) so that I can do the things I do.

November 22

Today I'm grateful for 42.

Today is my birthday. I'm now 42 years old.

I have no qualms about sharing my age and fully embrace getting older.

Because every year, I think I get closer to the person I'm meant to be.

Every year I care a little more what I think and a little less what others think.

I learn a little more and become a lot more aware of all there is still to learn.

I get to know myself a little better and feel a little more comfortable being that person.

I get a little more clear, a little more brave, and a little more lost at the same time.

I embrace the process a little more, focusing less on the final product.

I open myself up to the world a little more... And know that means I'll also hurt a little more. And it also means that I experience so much more joy.

Today I'm grateful for the journey and process that brought me here... And am excited for what comes next

November 23

Today I'm grateful for my time.

The way my schedule works, half of the time it's all me with four kids -- getting everyone to and from school and basketball practice and activities... helping with homework and debriefing the day... making sure there's food for dinner and breakfast and the million snacks... juggling all the things and making everything happen.

And half of the time, it's just me.

For a while after I got divorced, when the kids were with their dad, I would think, "Oh my gosh. I could spend the next few days doing nothing, and no one would care." (In a lonely, sad, kind of scared way)

And now I think, "Oh my gosh. I could spend the next few days doing nothing, and no one would care." (In an empowered, autonomous, excited way)

Sometimes I head to the mountains for an impromptu getaway. Sometimes I make plans with friends or bury myself in a project. Sometimes I spend the whole day in my pajamas, reading a book, and eating nothing but cheese.

While I truly love the time I get to spend with my kids, I also truly love the time I spend without them -- giving me the space the foster my identity outside of "mom" and energizing me in a way that also allows me to be a better mom (and friend and sister and consultant and human).

I'm so grateful for my time.

November 24

Today I'm grateful for homemade almond milk.

Yep. Super simple. And, yet, it makes me so happy.

I make my own almond milk a couple of times a week.

Sometimes I mix it up with different nuts (cashews, macadamia, pecan). I almost always add coconut.

Sometimes I go with a flavor like lavender or pumpkin spice.

I drink it with tea or coffee.

I use it in baking or cooking.

I use the pulp in baking and make almond flour.

I like that I have complete control over that's in it -- usually just five ingredients: almonds, cashews, coconut, salt, and vanilla.

I love that I feel fancy when I make my drink. I love that I like it more than anything I could get at Starbucks. I love that the flavors are super nuanced and clean.

I love that it's a simple way to start my days, which are almost never simple. It reminds me to slow down a little and enjoy.

And then I always think of that scene in Ally McBeal where she teaches Georgia how to savor her first sip.

Today I'm grateful for the simple pleasure of almond milk.

November 25

Today I am grateful for Camp Yavneh.

My version of camp growing up was country club day camp. So while I learned how to play tennis and sail, the world of Jewish overnight camp is pretty foreign to me.

We fell into Camp Yavneh for my oldest when one of my students spent an entire day telling me everything about the camp and explaining why it was a great place.

We took a chance and haven't looked back.

For us, this camp has fostered the Jewish soul of our kids, fostered meaningful friendships, and expanded their worlds.

Our kids have gone through some significant transitions...from splitting homes to transferring schools, and camp has provided them with a consistent safe place.

Getting the kids to/from a camp in rural New Hampshire each year is not easy. And it's really expensive. And it's a little scary to be separated for so long. And it's worth it for us.

I am highly critical of most organizations, and I truly respect the way Camp Yavneh is run and the people who are involved. I genuinely believe the camp knows each of my kids (even Margalit who has yet to attend) and cares about them.

I am so grateful for Camp Yavneh and all of the people involved for helping my kiddos become the best versions of themselves.

November 26

Today I am grateful for gratitude (as a practice).

In Jewish prayer, there is a mixture of keva (fixed structure) and kavanah (personal intention).

I think about this a lot with my gratitude practice.

I don't feel grateful every day. There are days when I am mad and frustrated and just want to curl up in a ball and cry.

But I express gratitude daily.

I have a morning routine that includes listing very specific things for which I am grateful (I do this almost every day).

I have an evening routine that includes reflecting on and adding to that list (I do this sometimes).

At our weekly family meeting, my kids and I each write a note for our gratitude jar, and we plan to read them all out loud on New Years Eve. Sometimes it's a struggle for us all to come up with something, but we do.

We also write thank you notes in our house (for gifts, for thoughtful gestures, just because). I make a point to intentionally model this for my kids.

And then, sometimes, I add extra gratitude -- making a point to thank the barista for making my drink...or emailing my kid's teacher to thank her for inspiring learning...or reaching out to a friend just to say "thank you." Just because I feel moved.

This mixture of the fixed structure and personal intention pulls me out of slumps when needed (with a little fake it 'til you make it)...and also gives me the space to really acknowledge that sense of gratitude when it comes.

And it always gives me a sense of connectedness, of something greater than me.

Today I am grateful for gratitude -- in all forms.

November 27

Today I'm grateful for (relatively small) hotel rooms.

My house is bigger than some and smaller than some.

But, for us, it's the perfect size.

We each have our own bedroom (with an extra one that we use as a guest bedroom/staging room). We have three different common areas with places to sit and hang out. We have a large backyard with a playset and trampoline and lovely covered patio.

While I wouldn't say that we we could go days without seeing each other, we certainly have enough space to spread out.

Which means I have a love/hate relationship with hotel rooms.

Taking five people who are used to their own space and stuffing them into one hotel room is hard.

There's only one bathroom.

We all have to go to sleep and wake up at the same time.

There seems to be stuff everywhere.

And, I love it.

We're forced to spend time together. To make memories together. To be together.

Sometimes I do spring for the suite or the double room...and sometimes (not just because it saves money), I stick with the simple (small room).

And I'm grateful for all that comes with it.

November 28

Today I'm grateful for Thanksgiving.

I truly love Thanksgiving.

I love the family traditions we've developed for the day.

I love how much my kids love the holiday.

I love the pie. I really love the pie.

I've hosted Thanksgiving for over 10 years. Sometimes it's just our little nuclear family. Sometimes it's 17 of us like tonight.

There's always Friends and football and plenty of food and pie.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring together people who are important to me free of any religious connection, just to share company and good food and mutual gratitude.

In the Jewish calendar, there are many holidays I love. And Thanksgiving is just different

And I'm grateful for the different.

November 29

Today I am grateful for the in-between time.

We do a lot of things -- the kids and I.

There's always hikes and skiing and swimming...and museums and jump places...and trips and events...and homework and activities.

Our normal life is an intricately designed schedule that takes into account how to make the most of every moment.

But today, we stepped away from that.

We watched football and played at-home laser tag and family video games. We ate leftovers and make fresh homemade Chinese food. We stayed in our pajamas all day.

Because we could.

We just had a busy few days -- staycation and hosting and conferences and more.

Starting next week is a sprint to winter break. But today was a beautiful stepping away in the in-between -- together.

I am so grateful for doing nothing, with people I love, making it quite something.

November 30

Today I'm grateful for learning to let go.

I'm a neurotic control freak about just about everything.

I like to be in control. I like to have a plan. I like when things go according to that plan.

And I'm a human. And have four kids. And live in this world.

Which means things don't always go according to that plan. And I'm learning to be okay with that.

Sometimes my house will be a mess, and that's okay.

Sometimes my plans get messed up, and that's okay.

Sometimes people I thought would be in my life forever aren't, and that's okay.

Because the messy house means we made memories.

And the old plans get replaced with something better.

And new people who are meant to be in my life find their way in.

At least that's what I choose to believe.

Because in a world where I absolutely do not control everything, I do control my choices and my beliefs.

And that's where my power lies.

Yes, it's all a process.

And I'm grateful for the process.