Day Four: Thankful For My Mom

My mother is an exceptional woman and that isn't up for debate. From the moment I was born she made me the focal point of her whole world, selflessly putting anything and anyone else aside to keep me as the number one priority. Today, as we prepared for our Thanksgiving feast and celebration tomorrow with a gathering of family and friends, my mother kept seeking out my laughter and she accomplished her mission. We ranted together about the poorly thought out plans people make and we laughed at terrible puns as well as inside jokes. Her sarcastic commentary as I began baking a cake for tomorrow was enough to make me stop in the middle of stirring to double over in a fit of giggles and when she eventually couldn't keep up the indifferent facial expression she broke character, her laughter over powering mine. It made me feel proud to be the source of such a glorious sound. Even as I type this post for the blog she sits across the room on the couch flipping through a holiday magazine, completely amused and yet totally unaware of what I'm writing. These moments are when I feel the most love for my mother because I can view her as the woman that she is, not just the mother figure she's always been to me and I find her beautiful and full of life. I wouldn't be here without my mother, I wouldn't be who I am without my mother, and I can't imagine my life without her presence.

Day 3: Thankful For Friends

It's not a secret that I value my close friends as much as I do my family. They keep me witty, they fill me with laughter, and they teach me new things every chance we hang out. Earlier today I got the joy to sit with my best friend to talk while eating, it was a simple day with relaxing activities. While I was leaving her home I felt immense happiness knowing that I was loved and safe in a place other than home. It's a true gift to be able to find acceptance outside of your inner family, it provides a certain type of emotional support that you could never find anywhere else. Sometimes when I'm questioning myself or doubting that things will work out in the end I look to my friends to bring me back to my senses. When my depression kicks in I always compare it to the ocean but a lot of the time when the tides are pushing me under that is when five pairs of hands plunged in to pull me out. From the death of my father to the several breakdowns that I've kept away from public eye, my friends have been there. There's times when they know they can't help and I need space, but there's also times they know I need love and encouragement. I've been fortunate to have those five people present in my life helping me through rough times and celebrating during the best of times, I'll never be able to express my gratitude and love for them enough. Today, I cheer on my friends for being loving, understanding, and loyal people.

Day 2: Thankful For Kindness

I've been told a number of times that I'm too sensitive. I've been labeled as too emotional and criticized for overthinking, but I've learned not to pay so much attention to those comments. I'm aware that the compassion I give out makes a difference and when holidays roll around I feel the most comfortable with others. When fall rolls in and holidays stir up, everyone tunes into the warm spirit inside of them. I notice people smiling more, making small conversation, and participating in random acts of kindness. Sometimes I like to sit in parks or sit by the fountains in the mall to watch what people are doing in their day. It's when I witness the laughter or the helpful hand of a stranger holding a door open for someone that I appreciate the last few months in the year the most, I know that the positive energy and bonding experiences are fleeting but I still like to believe that these last few months in the year can be the start of change for the near future. If there's anything I would love to be associated with it would have to be promoting kindness to others. I understand there are times when we shouldn't always be so kind to people because maybe they've hurt us or maybe they don't deserve our good heart for valid reasons, but when it comes to the daily routines we've programmed ourselves in we need to make an effort to lead by example through positive actions. I hope that people continue to open doors, to leave compliments, to make others laugh, and I could never wish enough for more humanity to spread around the world.