With a Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving, it’s a time to reflect, express gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends who have been blessed. This year, I have a lot to be thankful for!

I’m thankful for….

The special people in my life:
1) My family: I am very thankful to be the daughter of two godly, loving, patient, and supportive people. The past few months have been up and down for me with starting school and accepting new responsibilities at work and my parents have been faithful to lend a listening ear, give advice when necessary, and to be patient as I try to achieve my goal (which generally means long timeframes between visits). My parents have always given everything they could…and probably sometimes given things when they weren’t sure how they were going to make it work.

2)My friends: I couldn’t begin to name them all, from acquaintances to those friends who are genuine and very close to me. I couldn’t imagine my life without each of them. I don’t have too many close friends, but I’ll tell you something about the ones I do have- they are some of the most wonderful, amazing, and caring people who cherish my dreams and goals almost as much as I cherish them. They have been patient as my schedule has become more demanding and are flexible to meet me half way. They get me, even if I’m having a bad day or when I make a mistake. Ultimately they want what’s best for me (and vice versa).

What I’ve been able to do and accomplish:
3) Going to college (again): Heading back to school was a big decision, and a quick one at that. I’ve known for a while that I definitely wanted to get my Ph.D. at some point but it was more about deciding on what and where. I expressed interest in a Master’s program at UTA and they called back recruiting me for a Ph.D. It’s been a roller coaster this first semester but I’m being challenged and that’s exciting. I love what I’m doing and that makes a big difference. I’ve been given the opportunity to present papers at conferences and to work on some pretty exciting research projects. I can’t wait to see what opportunities I will have in the next year.

4)The opportunity to travel: Traveling has always been one my passions. Unfortunately, I never really felt I had the time (or funds) to be able to take a decent vacation. With the new demands on my life I’ve realized the value of taking some time for yourself- and I’m doing exactly that. I’m so fortunate to be able to visit friends and family this New Years in Europe.

5)My Job: My job is demanding and challenging…but I love a good challenge to keep me on my toes. My job has been great to provide me flexibility as I’ve gone back to school. I’m fortunate to have consistency and stability and to work for people who will not only take an interest in what I’m doing but actively participate as I try to achieve new career and personal highs.

Good Fortune and Blessings:
6)Being financially secure: I’m not wealthy but I have everything I need and sometimes even some extra for some things I want. 

7)Good Health: I rarely get sick and throughout my years of life I’ve haven’t really had any major sickness. Overall I’m just in good health- that is a lot to be thankful for. Knock on wood.

Things I like about me:
8)Being a nice person: I’m not perfect, but at the end of the day it feels real good to know that I’m genuinely a kind person. I’d go out of my way to make sure the people in my life are happy and to take care of them in their time of need.

9)Accomplishing goals: I love the journey of striving to attain my goals and being able to celebrate when I finally do reach them. Something to be proud of…

10)Knowing when to let go: I rarely like to quit things, but I like knowing that I’m able to walk away from things that don’t make me happy. Sometimes, it’s better to let go of situations….even though it may take a little bit of time to come to terms with the whole quitting thing.

11)Knowing when to keep going: When the going gets tough, keep on going. There have definitely been moments where I was so overwhelmed I didn’t see how I could possibly keep going. But, there is nothing like coming out on the opposite side and seeing how successful you were and how much you grew as a person. Persistence is everything and you experience the most growth in the middle of the challenge.

12)Being able to laugh: It’s easy to laugh when things are rainbows, butterflies, and marshmellow clouds…it isn’t always as easy when things get tough. I love that I’m able to laugh through the good times and the bad times.

All sorts of other things:
13)Memories: Memories are things to cherish. And even though people have come into my life and left my life I cherish the happy memories I’ve shared with these people.

14)The Hard Times….because they make me appreciate the good times that much more.

15)Those who read the things I write: I enjoy writing just as much as I enjoy reading the comments people leave on the stuff I right. As well as being able to read the things they write. It’s like an exclusive community…and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

16)Those who serve our country: There are never enough words to thank the men and women (and their families) who serve our country and fight so that I’m able to keep my freedom.

17)The little things: The little things are what get me through the day. There is nothing I cherish more than the little things that are so precious….

18)Rainy days: There is nothing more calming and soothing than rainy days.

19)Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Yesterday makes me thankful for a new opportunity today. Today makes me look towards tomorrow and the fantastic opportunities waiting for me….

20)Songs that you hear when you need them the most

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.