November 27, 2014

It’s that time of year where we take a step back and think about all of the things in our life we are grateful for. My friend Holly does this every single week, and I think it’s such a great way to stay grounded, to remember what’s really important all year long. I should write down what I am thankful for more often, but today, these are just a few of the many things I am thankful for.

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Photo by Basia Ambroziak – photobybasia.com

Nick. Obviously, I love this guy a lot. I am so thankful he’s never going to be deployed again.

My family and friends. Being far away from so many people I love has shown me just how powerful love is. Crazy as it sounds, moving away has made me feel so much closer to them, and the amazing ways they have supported me, make the effort to stay in touch, and even come all the way out here to visit has made me feel so loved. And, whenever I am reunited with my family and friends, they seem so much more precious to me.

Hawaii. I love this little island and I am still in awe that I have the chance to live here for a few years with Nick. Right now, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be living.

Coffee. So delicious. So many different kinds. Coffee helps me stay focused and be creative, and I can’t live without it!

Our apartment. It’s the first place Nick and I have ever lived together. It’s so tiny, but so perfect. I love the closeness we have here – no matter where we are in the apartment, we are hanging out together.

Memories. A few years ago, Nick and I decided to spend less money on things like a big apartment and random stuff we don’t need, and spend that money on experiences instead. We love traveling and going out, so we started spending our money on those things. I cherish these moments and these memories more than anything I could possibly buy.

The holiday season. Christmastime is pure joy and wonder. Hanging ornaments on the tree, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, wrapping presents, sending and receiving Christmas cards, and just spending time with the ones I love makes me so happy. There is so much to celebrate today and all throughout the holidays.

Books. I have always loved to read, but over the past year I have had the time to read whatever I want, at the pace I want. Sitting down with a good book is such a such a luxury.

The beach. It’s always been my favorite place to read. I love the sound of the waves crashing, and now I can go to the beach all the time, all year long. I know that this won’t last forever because I won’t always live so close to the beach in a place that is always warm so I try to take advantage of it as much as I can.

Snail mail. Email, texting, and sharing photos online are all lots of fun, but there is just nothing like getting a card or package in the mail. Knowing that someone is thinking of you and took the time to write out a letter by hand, put a stamp on it, and mail it means so much to me.

My health. The most important thing I have, and the thing I most often take for granted.

Food. Because not only do I love food and the experience of sharing a meal with someone, but I am so grateful that I always have enough.

Workouts. I used to hate working out, and my lack of exercise made me so weak that I hurt my back really bad just doing everyday things. After I recovered, I started working out with a personal trainer, who taught me all about squatting and deadlifting, and I discovered how much I love lifting weights, how strong I feel when I realize I can lift something heavier than I could the week before, and how good it makes me feel overall.

You! Thank you for reading my blog! I feel like I have rediscovered a part of myself through blogging and I am really grateful that you are a part of it.

 

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving <33

2 responses to “So thankful.”

  1. Holly says:

    I’m so thankful for coffee–I just love the taste, the caffeine boost, and the idea of going to a cute little coffee shop to catch up with friends or read a good book 🙂

    It’s so great to just remember the little things you are thankful for!! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

  2. carolann says:

    Thanks so much Holly! Thanksgiving was so much fun, the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. I love that you are always remembering how grateful you are for the little things and it makes me think about how much I have to be thankful for too 🙂

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