Last week was thanksgiving in the US. It’s a time of year when everyone is celebrating all the things they’re thankful for. Their blessings, their treasures, the people in their lives that make it better. Why do we wait until one day, or one month, to talk about these things?

I wrote last time about moments of doubt and how they challenge us and try to convince us to stay put when we want to move. I feel being thankful for what we have does the opposite. Being thankful gives us hope. It shows us a better way. It tells us it’s worth it. We need that all the time!

I don’t always appreciate the things I have. I bitch about my home and argue with my kids. I complain about my car and my health and my weight. I wish I could blink and change so many things in my life. But if I take a step back and actually look at my life, I have it pretty damn good.

I have a home. It might not be my perfect dream home, but I’m warm in the 30 degree weather, safe, and can provide for my family.

I have a family. I’m not alone like so many people are. I have a husband who loves me, two amazing kids, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, and a nephew, and so many more.

I have friends. My two closest friends don’t live near me, but I have friends. Amazing friends.

I’m healthy. Yes, that’s always up for debate, but I go to the gym, I have plenty to eat, and with any luck, next Friday I’ll find out I’m still in remission.

I have a job I love. So many people can’t say that, but I can. I love it. Yes, it has its challenges, but I love it.

How many people around the world can count all these things? How many people are content? Yes, there are things I want to change, and I added qualifiers to every single thing I’m thankful for, but I’m still thankful for them. My life could be a lot worse. It has been. When I was single and never thought I’d find love. When I was trying to get pregnant and never thought I’d have kids. When I was going through chemo and never thought I’d see my kids grow up. When I was in a job that was killing me and never thought I’d get out. When I moved to a new city and never thought I’d make friends.

Life is hard. No one is going to tell you it’s easy. And if they do, chances are they’re holding back. Because nothing is easy, but it’s so damn worth it. And all your blessings prove that to you every day.

Never give up on your dreams. Be thankful for how far you’ve come, and keep pushing toward that next dream.

What are you thankful for?

 

When you doubt yourself, who do you trust? 

She was alone. She liked it that way, because it meant she wouldn’t get hurt again. But he pushed past her walls and changed everything. He made her see herself the way he saw her. And she knew she’d never love again like she loved him. 

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