Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I know everyone and their mother makes a post about what they are thankful for, but I love it, whether it is repetitive or not, because I love reading peoples posts and finding other things that I fail to be grateful for on a daily bases. It’s so important to give thanks and I’m glad we’ve created a holiday around it, after all I believe gratitude and perspective are two big keys to happiness.

So without farther ado here is what I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving:

2018. I’m thankful to be alive in this year. No matter what bad we have going on, (there is always a lot of it) I’m thankful to be alive at a time where the global poverty rate is dropping faster than it ever has. I’m thankful to have transportation, technology, grocery stores, medication, vaccines, running water, organizations that help the needy, and organized systems of living that improve our quality of life.

My family. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. I’m thankful that no matter what happens I know I can lean on them when I’m weak. It’s wonderful to have this much support and this much love pouring in from the very people who know me best.

Love. This year has blessed me with romantic love, something I’ve been praying for for a while. I’m beyond thankful that Chris has walked into my life and that I have a partner to take on the world with. I’m thankful he is the kind of man I’ve always needed, not to mention wanted. I’m thankful God didn’t listen to me when I tried to take control of his timing during my dating years.

Growth. I’m thankful that we aren’t stuck in our lives or our opinions. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to grow my opinions, change my stances. I’m glad I can move on from things not meant for me. I’m thankful that I’m not stagnant, that I’m not who I was a year ago, or ten years ago. I’m glad I get to keep getting better, and if I get worse, that I’m able to correct it later on.

Work. I’m thankful to be able to work (I wasn’t able to for a long time) and I’m thankful to be working a job I love. I’m thankful for good co-workers and good bosses. I’m thankful to be able to make my own living and not have to rely on a system that often fails. I’m thankful that I can see the benefits of my labor.

My body and my health. I might not have all of my health back as I struggle with the “end” of Lyme Disease, but looking back at how far I’ve come this past year I can’t complain (though sometimes I try). I’m thankful for every step forward, no matter if there have been a few backwards. I’m thankful that this body I have fights for me and that it’s been giving healing its all. I’m thankful for all the strength that I have regained and all the pain that has left me.

My friends. Whether I get to see them a lot or a little, I’m thankful they are all in my life and giving me their love. I’m thankful I have met so many wonderful people over the years. I’m thankful that somehow we all decided to give each other a chance and out of that love grew. I’m thankful that people often surprise us and we get to stand hand in hand with people we didn’t know just a few months ago.

Animals and Pets. I’m thankful for my pets, their endless love, the fact that humans have bred animals over the years, perfecting their DNA to the point where they not only put up with us but rejoice to be around us. Pets were some of mankind’s finest work. Think about it, our ancestors bred your dog to give you love and affection. They bred your horses to be docile and tolerant of riding. They bred your cat to put up with you (they aren’t as domesticated as the rest, lets face it. But I’m thankful that mine puts up with me and I get to shower her with love!)

God. Last, but most importantly, I’m thankful for my faith in the Lord and His faith in me. I’m thankful that I am forgiven. I’m thankful that I’m loved not only by my peers but also by a Father who loves me more than I can imagine. I’m grateful that prayers are often answered, and that sometimes, when I’m going after the wrong things, they are ignored. I’m thankful for His presence and leadership that I receive simply by asking.