Giving Thanks.

The holidays can be very difficult after you go through major life changes.  Once my dad passed away and I had to start sharing my kids on those special days with my ex, I lost my exuberance for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I still go through the motions, but it will never be the same. It’s just one of those things that you can’t really explain unless you’ve gone through it.

However, I can’t and won’t stop remembering and celebrating the true meaning behind these holidays.  Since Thanksgiving is the first one up, I’ve decided that this blog post will be a list of things I’m grateful for.  For the past few years, I’ve had my kids write a list of 5 things they are grateful for in a Gratitude Journal every night before they go to bed.  It’s too easy for us to take everything for granted, and to focus on our lacks rather than our haves.  I want them to always have that moment of remembering that no matter what they go through, they still have positive things to focus on.

That said, this list is a reminder to myself that no matter how many  hurdles I have to jump over, there are still so many things I am blessed with.  Perhaps all of this sounds a bit cliche….but I’m ok with that.

-My kids. They will always be at the top of my list.  I can truly say that having healthy children is one of life’s greatest gifts. Just as fertility is not  a promise to anyone, neither is giving birth to a child that is healthy and whole. Can’t take either for granted. Ever.

-My own health. I’ve always somehow been a pretty healthy girl.  I do, however, need to become more mindful and stop stressing as much as I do.  Serenity now!!!

-My aunt and uncle. They have been my rocks and supported me mind, body, and soul for years.  More surrogate parents than anything else.  I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for them.

-The memories I have of my dad. His story, his kindness, his smile, his patience, his blue blue blue eyes that were always full of love, his humor, his belief in me.

-My thick as thieves group of friends.  Those people who are the brothers and sisters I never had. The ones who always just “know” when I’m not ok….and vice versa.  Mafia loyal, brutally honest, “give the shirt off of their backs” kind of people. They are spread all across the globe, but always close at heart.

-My boyfriend. He always makes time for me. Always makes me laugh. Makes sure I’m never hangry.  Holidays are a little less lonely because of him. He is basically me in male form, and that’s pretty damn cool.

-My little house.  It is small, and old, but I am grateful for it. I have an honest landlord, and despite it’s aging walls and floors, there is something very cozy and cheerful about this little place.  Someday I’ll have more square footage again, but for now, I realize I’m lucky to have this space in a city that is brutally overpriced.

-My dog. I’ve already talked about how great this crazy little guy is in another blog post, so I won’t bore you with the repetition….but he is one empathetic and funny boy and I love him.

-My challenges.  Everything that I’ve been through and dealt with…because it’s all made me stronger and wiser.  Resilience and maturity never come to those who have their hands held through life.

-My travel experiences. All of those years of travel and adventure as an international model.  I got to experience things that most people only see in movies.  It was all so fantastical and makes for incredible memories.  Also thankful for my years in college at the University of Portland.  It was my first time away from home, and in a brand new city.  I was later selected to study for a year in Salzburg, Austria as a Sophomore. I learned so much, and loved every geeky minute of it. It was my first taste of independence, and I happily grabbed that bull by the horns.

-My languages.  I am fluent in Spanish and proficient in Italian and German. I can also say a handful of off colored things in Hungarian, and Mandarin. I love learning languages and how speaking more than English helps connect me to so many people. I worked as a medical translator for a few years after I graduated from college and it was one of the most fulfilling careers I’ve ever had. Being bi-lingual or multi-lingual is a true gift.

There are so many other things I am grateful for, but these are the most important to me at the moment.  The ones that immediately come to mind. What are some things that you are thankful for?…..and Happy Thanksgiving, by the way. 🙂

header photo by TanteTati @pixabay

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