It is almost cliché to have a list of things you are thankful for around this time of year. For the past few years on social media people will declare what they are thankful for everyday in the month of November. It’s a great thing to do especially when you’re struggling with finding true happiness versus societal happiness. And like the masses I’ve sorta jumped on the bandwagon. In anticipation of this Thanksgiving holiday I wrote another list.

Usually every year I write about a few things I am thankful for. This year I wanted to do something a little out of my norm. In an effort to continue to be thankful for the little things, to be awed by what God has surrounded me with, my list includes both “profound” thanks and everyday thanks. 32 years young so I sought 32 things to be thankful for.

  1. Battling with what the Drs say is a side effect of my chronic illnesses I am thankful for the smells of Christmas in the air. Cinnamon, citrus, pumpkin. Having a continuous sinus infection has kept me from most smells these days, but a whiff of Christmas is always an amazing treat.

  2. Streaming content. Most days consist of lots of rest if I’m not working. Technology has allowed me to enjoy all my shows to keep me in a good mood.
  3. Colors of the Trailblazers. If you’re unfamiliar they’re red and silver. My Christmas decorations have followed this color scheme giving my home a more relaxing feel.
  4. Apples and raisins. My mainstay snacks these last two months because they easily help kick my sugar levels up when I feel my body calling for war.
  5. The sound of my wall clock ticking. It’s in the living room but when the world is sleeping I can hear it ticking away in my little apartment. Each tick helps me to count down from 107 as I try to best my insomnia.
  6. Every morning at work I make myself a bowl of cereal and look out over the hills and evergreens behind my office. Seeing the fog settle on those hills brings me comfort. I’m not sure how or why. I guess it’s the thought of relaxation. Idk.
  7. My Christmas music is on full blast now. And with Christmas music always comes the memories of Christmas choir practice. When I need a, “Well at least you’re not doing this…” moment I smile and think of Christmas practices.
  8. My notebook. Or notebooks. I’ve been writing more in my notebooks lately. It has given more mental relief than typing at a keyboard.
  9. My home office. As I sit at my desk I’m surrounded by dreams: my Italy board, my dream board, my NaNoWriMo board, novel notes plastered everywhere, picture book notes skewed on my desk. This is what dreams are made of.
  10. Ande’s Green Mint. It is 3am and I have one in my mouth in hopes to quell my dry mouth. I don’t know if it’s working but I’m digging it.
  11. Thanksgiving. Holidays brings my family together. I get to see my mom. And my nieces and nephews.
  12. My fleece Green Bay Packers blanket. I got it for Christmas last year and I display it proudly as it sits on my rocker recliner. When my bones begin to chill I throw it on and I’m toasty.
  13. My writing has brought me through some really difficult things. I’m so very thankful I have an outlet.
  14. Coming home every day to a family excited to see me brings me great joy. When my puppies jump on me they take away everything bad that happened that day.
  15. Autumn. Jeans, boots, and my favorite jacket. You can’t go wrong with that.
  16. Gel nails. I’m not one for pretty girly things. But, my mom treated me to some gel nails and I must say I’ve never felt prettier.
  17. Depression can’t control me.
  18. My sunflower painting. I see it every day and am reminded that God is in control and He’s creating in me a clean heart.
  19. My husband’s hugs. It’s frustrating having not so great health, but being engulfed in his arms make it bareable.
  20. I don’t just have one person I’m thankful for. I have 10. Gracey. Elliot. Jeremiah. Linkin. Abi. Charlie. Jaxon. Alyssa. Grayson. Alavia. I was hurting and in so much pain. God used these ten precious children to heal my heartache. I love my little helpers.
  21. I often wake up with music playing in my head. Mercy Said No (CeCe Winans). It’s been on reply for the last few days.
  22. Squirrel of a Ride. A short story I wrote about an experience delivering newspapers as a kid. Good enough to be told I’m colorful in describing feelings and sights by The Children’s Institute.
  23. I have a library that continues to grow. As the season begins to get colder and, as tradition goes, I hibernate indoors I am thankful for unread books to keep me company.
  24. My health. Ya, it sucks, but I’ve learned so much about my body and what I can do to make it better.
  25. At the very stroke of hopefully midnight on Friday Nov 25 time will stand still when Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life begins to stream. Lorelei and Rory got me through my adolescent years. I’m excited to have them a part of my life again. I say this as if I no longer watch old episodes of the show.
  26. Sad Sam. It’s the look my coonhound gives me when he wants to go to bed. The expression is priceless and always wins.
  27. I get hot at night with my husband and the puppies who somehow find their way on the bed to cuddle next to me. I have an amazing pillow that keeps cool so a single flip allows my body to cool down immensely. Thank you Ashley Furniture for doing something right.
  28. Making a year at MENTOR. It has been a fast and crazy ride.
  29. This is where I go cliche again and say I’m thankful for my husband. Well, truth be told I’m ALWAYS thankful for him so I’m going a different route. I’m thankful for friends who push me out of my comfort zone so I can be the best version of myself.
  30. I’m thankful for my singing skills. You know, the ones I don’t actually have but it doesn’t stop me from singing at the top of my lungs because I love music? Yup, that one.
  31. Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life. See above. It’s Lorelei and Rory for crying out loud. Also, I’m looking at you Sam…uh, Dean.
  32. Hope. It is with this word that I have gotten through this season. Hope.

 

What are some things you are thankful for? I hope this Thanksgiving Day you are filled with love and laughter and lots and lots of turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving lovelies. xoxo