Forest of Dean Thanksgiving

I knew I wanted to get away this Thanksgiving. Military life is hard around the holidays. I always miss the warmth and comfort of holidays spent with family and friends and no matter how many new friends you make, it will never feel the same. I knew that I wanted to get away from the holiday expectations. I wanted to spend some quality time with my little family and I wanted to connect with nature.

So off to the Forest of Dean we went. We rented a tiny little glamping pod at a campsite called Whitemead Forest Park. They had spots to park your caravans, bigger cabins, and a services center with a restaurant, gym, pool, and saunas. 

It was lovely. 

I think we missed the true and beautiful Autumn colors of the forest by a few weeks but they were still dazzling in their Winter beauty.

Waking up in the morning to make a cuppa tea and enjoy the sunrise with the melodious birds was exactly what my soul was looking for on this holiday meant for gratitude. 

It was strange to be stuck in this tiny cabin with no cell phone service or wifi. It made me realize how reliant we've become on our phones to entertain us constantly. It was a reminder of how often Brandon and I sit in front of screens instead of spending quality time together. 

But we found time to play cards, talk, hike, swim, and eat.

We didn't do much for our short stay but it was a restful unplugging type of break that I think we could benefit from more often.

Grateful...

Grateful for a relationship that has stood the test of time and distance. Grateful for a supportive spouse who adores me. Grateful for slow cups of tea and coffee. Grateful for a cozy home that I love. Grateful for the ability to explore, travel, and enjoy this life of ours. Grateful for the friends who have stuck by me. Grateful for a family who loves me despite my differences. Grateful for a connection to nature. Grateful for growth and change. Grateful for Luna. Grateful for books and writing. Grateful for Autumn. Grateful for my body that can move. Grateful for music and signing. Grateful for good food. Grateful for the ability to live in different places. 

Thankful for this life of mine.