thankful.for.you

Thanksgiving is upon us (Where has this year gone?!?!) and it's time to take inventory and remind ourselves of what we are thankful for. Last year, my list seemed somewhat superficial now that I look back, but the nurturing and comfort that each of those things brought me was extremely significant at the time. Last November, I was in my last quarter of night school and I craved moments to myself, simple things that made me smile or feel loved, and any inspiration found outside of textbooks. Of course they were in addition to family, friends, health, happiness, safety, challenges that make us stronger, etc. These items were simply the bits and pieces that brought me joy.

So...this year...here are a few things that I am thankful for.

1. Walking. Come on, you knew I would go there! I'm almost off of my crutches and I am so thankful that all is healing well and quickly.  From this experience I also have a new respect for everyone who deals with this type of struggle daily.

2. Chocolate. It's my vice, but I love it dearly. A day is never better than one that ends with a piece of salted caramel milk chocolate. I am thankful that this simple pleasure is available to me.

3. Brotherhood and Charity. In times of need it is amazing how people come together and help each other. Selfless acts are holding much of our country together this holiday season and I am thankful for those who have stepped forward to help. (P.S. Watch for new items coming to the joyful.life shop soon. A portion of the sales will be donated to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. While the storm has passed there is still a lot of assistance needed for our family & friends on the east coast.)

4. Creativity. I am thankful that I have artistic talents I can share with the world and the world has talents they can share with me. There are so many creative people in the world...correction...everyone has creativity to share and has the ability to be creative in their own way. It is not something you have or don't have. It is a gift that we choose to use and nurture. I'm thankful that I do.

5. Readers. This little blog is a little place for me to share my life and what brings me joy, but it means so much more to me because I have you. Though you may be a quiet bunch,  you are still stopping by to see what I am up to and sharing in my experiences. I am thankful that you find me interesting. I am thankful that I am able to share something positive with you.

I could write a list miles long about all of the little things I am thankful for (chai tea, s'mores, kitties, scarves, hard cider, the color pink, candles, my family, my friends, my coworkers, lessons learned...) but the five "thanks" above are what I feel the strongest lately.

So...enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you all have somewhere warm and cozy to go and loving people to spend the day with. I'm going to spend the day cooking, nibbling, watching football, and spending time with my loved ones. It's going to be a wonderful day.

Until next time!