Thanksgiving is on its way (haven't you heard?). And it's got me musing on what I'm thankful for. Call me cheesy if you will, but I've always encouraged the tradition of sitting around a laden table and taking turns on expressing what you're grateful for. My stepdad, however, makes this a lot less sentimental than it could be with his inexpressive grunts when it's his turn.
But I've had a lot of wonderful things happen to me lately, so I wanted to express my thankfulness for the following (in no particular order):
1. I have a job. Maybe not a fantastic job, but I work with interesting people and interesting topics. I'm able to pay my bills.
2. My pets. There is nothing better than the unconditional love of an animal. And now I have a new addition to my little family. A chihuahua named Gyspy. She's sweet and ornery, but very lovable. And I can't forget my cat--who's only a couple pounds away from being a small tiger--Zorro. I also have a fish, Marco Polo, who would like to eat my fingers one day...but he's still so pretty that I'll forgive him.
3. My boyfriend. For the first time in my life, I have found someone who loves me without restraint or selfishness. Who asks nothing of me, and yet gives all. He is, by far, the best thing in my life.
4. My family. Not just the one I have supplemented with animals, but my mother, my brother, my stepdad, Brian, (despite his noncommittal grunts) and my dad. A family's love and support is something that I'm always grateful for. Even when the world turns its back on you, they have their arms open.
5. My friends, both the ones that live near me and the ones that I have met online (namely, my writer friends) for offering their support and guidance.
6. My talents. Even when I feel less than lackluster about my abilities, I am always grateful for them. I'm grateful that the things that give me joy are things that come naturally to me--and that they are talents I can share with others.
7. God. Though I am not religious, I still feel an affinity for the Creator, and even when I feel resentful and distant, I still look to Him. And it is to Him that I give thanks for the gifts He has given me.
There are many more things that can go on this list. Small moments. Huge triumphs. But these are the things that I am grateful for every day.
What are you thankful for?
What a nice post, Brandi.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for the simple things: my wonderful husband, my fantastic kids, my loving parents. The fact that I have a job, that I have the support from my husband to pursue my dream, and a roof over my head.
Really, I can't ask for anything else.
I'm grateful for writers, both past and present, eyes to read their works, and hands to turn pages/scroll with the mouse. I'm grateful for family and friends, near and far, ones I have hung out with and ones I have yet to meet face to face. I'm grateful for a job and creative outlets. And I'm grateful for the existence of fantasy and science fiction, without which the real world would be such a boring place.
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