The holidays are my absolute favorite time of the year, and I can’t believe another year has come and gone where it’s finally here again! While Christmas is the best holiday ever, I really do love Thanksgiving. Not only because I get to spend time with my family and enjoy delicious food, but because it’s a time to reflect and think back on all of the things that we have to be grateful for. So, I thought I would dedicate today’s post to sharing 3 things I’m grateful for this year.
My (Amazing) Family
This is definitely number one. I feel like this year in particular I’ve heard unfortunate stories about people being estranged from their families, having toxic relationships, sudden misfortunes, etc. I’d be devastated if that ever happened to me, and I’m grateful my situation is different. I’m an only child, so I probably value my family and spending time with them just a teensy bit more than the average person with siblings, so when we’re together I’m always so happy! There’s the saying that friends will come and go, but your family is there forever – and that rings so true for me. Living in Chicago for the past two-and-a-half years has definitely been difficult for me, but I’ve made a strong effort to head back home a few times throughout the year!
My Friends (That Are Like Family)
Where would we be without our friends? I’m so lucky to have friends that I consider part of my family and have shared some of the most amazing and memorable times with them! From watching sad movies and jumping in random people’s Ubers’, to planning fun trips together – I have such a great group surrounding me, and am extremely grateful for them. Good friends are those that you can feel completely vulnerable and honest with, and tell them things without feeling judged. Good friends are also those who you can do the silliest of things with and still have the best time! I definitely have good friends.
Personal Growth and Development
This is a bit unconventional, but I’m very grateful for the progress I’ve made in who I’ve become this year, and the things that I’ve accomplished. Sometimes it’s hard to pat yourself on the back for all of the milestones that you’ve surpassed, but now is the time! Among those milestones is graduating from my master’s program in 20 days (but who’s counting?), and I’m very proud of myself! It hasn’t always been easy, but I made it! In fact, I wrote a post about the pros and cons of graduate school a few weeks ago. There’s a few other areas that I’ve grown in as well which I’ll keep to myself, but I’m very grateful and happy!
What are you grateful for this year?
Photos by Jill Green
