Instead of hunkering down in my home in L.A. this Thanksgiving, I decided to take a trip to my other family in the Cotswolds of England. Amidst this small cluster of stone homes, hundred year old pubs, and fields of black face sheep, it is so easy to feel at peace. Recently, I have been out of touch with the beauty of calmness.
In the midst of the storm America seems to be in at the moment, it feels so special to be in a sanctuary of complete peace and tranquility. Outside of my window, I see rustling green leaves, and can nearly see the crisp air as it moves through the afternoon sky. Around me there are cozy blankets, little bird sculptures, and paisley floor length blinds. In the room next to me is my tiny cousin asleep in his safe crib. Nothing can go wrong here. It is quiet. It is a land that seems to be immune from the hatred of the outside world.
But this is the beauty of the world. When you feel like everything has shattered, it probably hasn't. You just have to seek out your safe haven, a place where nothing and no one can touch you. Somewhere where the biggest problems are lambs who get stuck in the fences following their little lamb friends.
My time in Europe is coming to a close, and this was the perfect place to end it- surrounded by family who supports you and your beliefs. Who take you to tea and tell you that when an opportunity arises you take it, never wait. Surrounded by my uncle, who drove me to Shakespeare's hometown just so I could see his grave (lol peak of my life).
So today there is so much to be grateful for and not just because it's the season of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for a family who lifts each other up rather than tearing each other down. I am thankful for the peaceful moments in life. I am thankful for friendly people. And, most of all, I am thankful for the life I have been given and my precious loves who constantly sprinkle my life with laughter and pure joy.
So if you are feeling down or just want to see a beautiful English town come to the Cotswolds! Revelation awaits you.