Let the Challenge Begin

I heard from a few of you in the last couple of days, letting me know of your plans to join me for the 5th Annual Giving Thanks Challenge. I couldn't be happier - really! I'm so glad each and every one of you will be joining me this year! It's such a great time to slow down a little and be intentionally mindful of our blessings, and to whisper a quiet "thank you" for each.

As I said earlier, I'm not going to reinvent the wheel this year when it comes to how the challenge works. It's pretty simple:

1) add the button to your blog,
2) write your introductory blog post, and
3) copy your Permalink.

Then:

1) add your first name to the link-up below,
2) paste your Permalink underneath it, and
3) leave a short comment for me.

Speaking of comments - I'd like to ask for your help with something. Depending on how many people sign up, commenting is something that can get away from me (and become a burden) very quickly. If only 10 people join the challenge, no problem - I will personally visit their blogs, look at their lists and comment many times during the month. But I just never know, as the numbers have varied over the years from 51 in 2009 to 150 in 2008. To me, those higher numbers mean some participants will invariably fall through the cracks and possibly feel disconnected, which leaves me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. If you have time to be an intentional commenter this month, would you please email me, or let me know in the comments? I have a plan, and could really use your help! Thanks!

Again this year, I've decided to keep a running list on my sidebar, all through the month. If I feel like going a little deeper and perhaps explaining myself more on certain things, then I'll write a post that goes along with it. This will be a good way to keep the pressure to a minimum, yet leave the door open a smidgen at the same time. =)

Alright. Enough talk. Let the 2011 Challenge begin!