Expressions Of Gratitude This Thanksgiving
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays quickly approaching, it’s easy to get lost in the '“busy-ness.” Often times, we’re too concerned with what’s on our grocery list and cleaning the house for guests, that we forget to stop and think about the reason for the season.
I know, because I’m guilty of this.
So instead of focusing on knocking items off my to-do list and googling ‘how to cook a turkey’ (let’s be real, I’m a sub-par chef at best), I decided to start a new list—a list of things I’m grateful for.
I chose to slow down for a minute to reflect on what I’m thankful for this year. Even if it’s just a few moments, I wanted to focus on all of the beautiful and positive things in this life.
I challenge you to do the same. Take a minute to reflect on this past year. I bet you’ll be surprised at how much you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Here’s what I’m grateful for in my life this year:
The Big Things
Love. For my husband. For one year of marriage. For making me laugh. For always being on my side. For supporting me. For encouraging me to be silly and weird. For having thought-provoking conversations. For respecting me, my opinion, and my beliefs. For bringing out the best in me. For being my best friend.
Family. For loving me unconditionally. For supporting me. For keeping me company over the phone while I’m stuck in traffic. For always being there for me. For visiting me half-way across the country. And in some cases, for moving half-way across the country.
Friends. Near and far. New and old. For knowing that no matter how much time passes, you can have a conversation like nothing has ever changed. For being there no matter the time zone. For deep belly laughs. For experiencing new adventures in all stages of life.
Health. For everything my body allows me to do (even while working through an injury). For allowing me to run. For positive thinking and the significant impacts it’s had on my mental health. For my body keeping up with whatever I put my mind to.
Dogs. For being a woman’s best friend. For making me laugh with silly antics. For always knowing when I need to be comforted. For always making me smile as soon as I walk through the door. For making me a dog mom.
Opportunity. For showing up when I least expect it. For challenging me. For taking me outside of my comfort zone. For proving to me that I am capable and I can. For opening my mind.
Travel. For allowing me to experience new places and cultures. For educating me. For opening my eyes to the world.
The Little Things
For coffee in all it’s glorious forms.
For long calls catching up with old friends.
For new adventures in new cities.
For quiet, cozy nights in.
For the unconditional love we receive from dogs.
For having a platform to speak my truth.
For a great glass of dry, red wine.
For conversations with my mom.
For heated blankets on cold nights.
For slow mornings.
For being fortunate enough to travel more this year than in previous years.
For experiencing the magic of Disney and the adventure of the mountains.
For beautiful artwork and the artists who create it.
For rediscovering my yoga practice.
For learning to like mediation and the positive effects of practicing it.
For puppy kisses and cuddles.
For finding a good quote that speak to your soul.
For cheesy holiday movies.
For having a roof over my head and food in my belly.
For books that motivate and inspire.
For the tough times that teach you something and the people who are there for you along the way.
For social media allowing me to make connections in real life.
For seeing beauty through imperfection.
For music that makes you dance, think, or feel nostalgic.
For having the opportunity to share what I create with others.
For not having a plan, but trusting that everything is happening the way it’s meant to.
The more I wrote, the more things I thought of. The list could go on and on. It just goes to show how much we have to be thankful for once we take a minute to express our gratitude.
Wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
What are you grateful for this year? Share in the comments below!