Thanksgiving and Thankfulness
Image by Vladilen
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Perhaps we’re not as close as we once were to the tradition of celebrating the fall harvest, but it is a good place to start when we reflect on who and what we should be thankful for. At the top of my personal list this year is a healthy niece who I will get to lovingly squeeze in a week or so!
Count yourself at the top of JogAlong’s gratitude list if you have signed up for our newsletter and continue to follow us as we move toward the crowdfunding phase of this project. That support and level of interest is going to make it possible for us to have a successful campaign. As we continue to work with suppliers to determine costs and narrow in on finalizing details, it’s been reassuring to hear how important it is for so many of you to be outside with your children. We could not agree more. Whether you are walking with them in your arms, using a stroller or bike trailer, or even just sitting with them on the grass, they are sure to be happy being with you outside. The photograph above is from one of our Russian JogAlong friends, Vladilen. He writes inspiring stories about being outside with his son Gleb and how they enjoy their walks and adventures in the forests.
As JogAlong grows, I enjoy discovering other businesses that have a passion for what they do as well as for the people who buy their products and those who work to make these businesses successful. One common thread among them is their eco-consciousness. No company is perfect when it comes to affecting our environment, but it’s encouraging and inspiring to see so many strive to improve. One new theme that came from one of these companies is an alternative to a Black Friday shopping spree: a day to be outside. If you are lucky enough to live near one of these parks, give some thought to visiting a beautiful green space for free on Black Friday. And if you don’t live near one, pick your own local spot to start your outdoor family tradition on Black Friday.
A big thank you to REI for giving legs to the #OptOutside movement. This is a good article about how it came about. And if you do go shopping its ok, just no pushing!
