I Am Thankful

I am thankful that while hurriedly running errands on Monday, I took a moment to look up at the sky and see this beautiful tree. Hurricane Sandy pretty much stole our fall here in New York City and the vibrant colors were just what I needed to see.

I am thankful this year has been filled with so many joyous moments.

I am thankful to be in the very beginning stages of making a long-time dream into a reality. I am thankful for the days I feel energized about making progress; I am more thankful for the people in my life who encourage me when I begin to doubt myself.

I am thankful for what the new ring on my left hand represents: our relationship, our dreams, our impending adventure, our love. I am thankful every single day that I am lucky enough to share my life with my very best friend. For the failed relationships, rivers of tears, and moments I was sure I would never find someone, I am thankful. Without them, I never would have found him.

I am thankful for our families coming together and sharing in this exciting time in our lives. It is sometimes crazy, chaotic, and overwhelming, but that’s family. I am thankful for so much love in our lives.

I am thankful for a mother who taught me by example how to be a good person, woman, and wife. I’m thankful she was on the other end of the phone when I reached my breaking point. I’m thankful she encouraged me to follow my heart to Manhattan and talked me into staying when I wanted to move home. I still don’t have her patience, but I’m working on it.

I am thankful for a father who stepped into the role whole-heartedly. I’m thankful that he believes I will succeed in anything life throws my way. I’m thankful he never let me settle for anything less than I could achieve or deserve. I’m thankful that in a moment of weakness, he assured me my future had nothing to do with my past. I’m thankful he loves Mike like a son.

I am thankful life has been so kind to my sister this year. I am thankful she has a loving husband, a new job, a cozy furball, and a safe apartment. I am thankful she takes time to enjoy the outdoors.

I am thankful for my entire family that keeps me strong and grounded.

I am thankful that I am (finally) starting to fall in love with New York City. I still have my moments and this place still has it quirks, but it is getting harder each day to imagine living anywhere else.

I am thankful for my gym – for the workouts and the people. I am thankful Mike encouraged me to join because he saw that I needed a push. I am thankful that it has completely changed my view of what it means to be healthy. I am thankful that it makes me feel strong, peaceful, and beautiful.

I am thankful to be on this winding road of life. I am thankful for the people in my life who make it bright and worthwhile. I am thankful for the unknown opportunities and joys that await me and thankful for the disappointments that will make me that much stronger. I am thankful for today.