I am thankful for my always supportive family. They keep me going when times are tough. They give me perspective and insight and patience and love. In this past year in particular, they generously and graciously opened their homes to me when I needed the time and the space to rebuild my tattered sense of self. My family sustains me, and there really aren't words to express how grateful I am for that. I couldn't do this alone. I can't wait to be with them soon!
I am thankful for opportunities. I'm grateful I'm in my seventh year of college. I'm thankful that I've been able to travel, present at conferences, meet new people, take on exciting projects, and have such a dang cool career path. I forget how awesome it is when I get caught up in the drudgery and the logistics, but I'm glad that I continuously get reminded that I am doing something special.
I am thankful I changed my life. This city, this school, this program, this life, these challenges-- they were all exactly what I needed. I have never worked so hard or put so much of myself into anything, and I'm grateful for what that experience has done to my spirit. I feel fortified. I am glad I didn't take other paths and that so many things in my life didn't happen so that I can be here, now.
I am thankful that I sold my car and became a bike commuter. The 455 miles I've ridden since moving to Philly last August have made my body fit and relieved me of so much stress. Those miles also allow me to consume lager and fries several times a week without consequences, which I am particularly grateful for.
Which reminds me, I am thankful for my health. In a season of colds and swine flu, I feel phenomenally blessed that I have not been sick once.
I am thankful for my friends in every time zone. I like knowing that they are out there in the world being good people and making the world a better place. It gives me hope. I am thankful that we have the bonds that we do.
In the moment- I'm thankful I have a place to be this Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that in the past month I've become apart of a great group of friends who give me endless opportunities to laugh. I'm grateful for the prospect of pear butterscotch pie, a ride in the rain, finally being able to understand how to write about political culture, and getting to tell stories that have never been told this way. I'm thankful for white Christmas lights and a roommate who, in five seconds, is going to ask me to help him start preparing an amazing meal for tomorrow. And I'm thankful for all of you who read my blog and make me smile with your comments and encouragement. I have so much to be thankful for!
Happy Thanksgiving!
1 comment:
O.k. so pass the tissue, you pretty much said it all. I feel very much the same at this point in my life, global friends and global family,the best man in the world that I love without end, the most incredible kids and fantastic grandchildren. So my dear daughter, keep telling the stories and yes you do and will have an awesome career, I am proud. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the folks in your life that make you laugh. See you soon!
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