There used to be a time when I dreaded writing this list. I think I was so consumed with life happening at lightning speed, it was hard to take in the wonderful parts. But while life is still moving fast, I’ve become more aware of the beauty. I notice it much more frequently now, and I take a minute to really see it. To really feel it. So here is my annual list of all I’m thankful for.
I’m thankful everyone in my family is safe.
I’m thankful my mom is healthy…and 92.
Been trying to figure out if I’m thankful for being an empty nester. Not sure – that might be a stretch. But I am thankful Joe and I take advantage of no soccer tournaments on the weekends and do things you just can’t do with kids. That’s pretty awesome.
Also thankful I actually have fun with Joe.
I’m thankful for Taylor Swift. If you aren’t, listen to the words of her music. Even better, have a Swiftie explain them to you.
I’m thankful for all the new cute, locally owned bakeries/coffee shops that have opened. (There are so many!)
Still thankful for my heated blanket.
I’m thankful for the endless amounts of raspberries that grew in my garden this year. I am not thankful for the chipmunk who ate a lot of them.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m thankful for “Dancing with the Stars.” I know, that’s insane. But it was just a carefree respite.
I’m thankful for chocolate chips that I eat with gluten-free mini pretzels. I have this as a snack, not to be confused with the seven almonds and hard-boiled egg Joe believes is a snack.
I’m thankful for hardback books. Also thankful for my kindle, which makes reading while travelling so much easier. I like them both.
I’m thankful for people who DM me on Instagram. It’s weird how you can feel you’re friends with someone when you’ve only talked in DMs.
I’m thankful for fall festivals. South Jersey is so beautiful in the fall. It’s such a great place to see orange and yellow leaves, pick a pumpkin and sip something warm and cinnamon-y.
I’m trying to be thankful for the upcoming holidays but with all the planning and scheduling and gift buying, it can be so stressful. Every year I say this will be the year I relax, I won’t get stressed. I really have to figure that out.
I’m thankful for anyone who works in a nonprofit and is trying to make the world a better place.
I’m thankful for FaceTime.
I’m thankful for peanut M&Ms.
I’m thankful for warm socks. (What’s better?)
I’m thankful for anyone who can make a delicious gluten-free pancake.
I’m thankful for talented massage therapists.
I’m thankful for women who support other women. Also thankful for men who support women.
I’m thankful when Shutterfly emails me a photo and says something like: “Your memory from 12 years ago.” I’ll send to Joe and the girls and someone will text back: “No way – that was 12 years ago?”
And oh, all those memories Joe and I made with our girls? I will be forever thankful for them.
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