Gratitude

Gratitude (noun): The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful (Dictionary.com)

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I like it because it allows people to come together to have a great meal together, and to simply be thankful with the ones who matter the most.  I try to treat every single day like it's Thanksgiving.  While I do not go all out and prepare a big feast every day, I do find ways to give thanks.  In particular, I keep a gratitude journal.  I try to elaborate each day on one thing I'm thankful for, or I will compile a short list of things that I am thankful for.  I challenge myself to not "double up" on things on a regular basis.  This personal challenge allows me to see that I am truly blessed because I have countless things to be thankful for each and every day.  It takes a lot of effort, but I try to always be thankful and appreciate what I have.

I'm truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

1. My parents

My dad, Fred, & my mom, Patti

With every day that passes, I appreciate my parents more and more.  They taught me the value hard work, keeping promises, and not giving up.  My parents provided me with the most picture perfect childhood filled with love, encouragement, and adventure.  I feel very lucky.  In an effort to not make this blog post overly long, I won't go on and on about how amazing my parents are.  But I hope they know how thankful I am for them each and every day for all they do for me.

2. My horses

Sage & Vogue

I wouldn't be who I am without these two horses.  Vogue and Sage help me stay motivated and they are an automatic great start to each and every day as well as the perfect end to every day.  I absolutely adore these two and I'm not quite sure where I'd be or who I'd be without them.  They give me a huge amount of purpose.

3. My cats and my dog

Baloo

Felix

Baxter

 Charlo

I have fully accepted the fact that I will probably fit the definition of a "crazy cat lady" one day, but perhaps I already do.  I love my cats and every since they came into my life over the course of the past year I have laughed more, smiled more, and been completely entertained.  Their personalities are amazing and I always look forward to seeing them when I come home.  They've given my home a soul and I'd be lost without any of these kittens.  My dog has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My family got her as a puppy when I was in 6th grade.  She's now 13 years old, and I can't imagine her not being there.  She's a great dog with a goofy personality.  She has so much love to give and she has me wrapped around her paw.

4. My job and the regulars that come there

Although I complain about it a lot, I am thankful for my job.  It provides me with an income that allows me to make a dent in my student loans as well as save, travel, and pay all my other bills.  It's hard not to be thankful for something that allows you to fully enjoy your life.  I do admit though, I will be very happy when I never have to waitress again.  I have some of the most awesome people that are regulars at my job.  They make my job feel like a party and are some of the kindest, generous, and caring people I've met.  They keep me sane when work is busy and I honestly view them as friends and extended family.  I'm pretty lucky to have people that make work really awesome when I'm there.

5. "Necessities" and the "Extras"

I love my home.  I feel safe there.  I've realized not everyone has a roof over their head, food to eat at every meal, or heat during the cold winter months.  I know I'm doing alright because I have a place that allows me to feel secure.  I'm thankful for my car, cell phone, and computer.  My car allows me to get to and from work safely as well as meet up with friends.  My cell phone helps me stay in contact with the people that mean the most to me and also leaves me with a sense of security while being out and about by myself.  My computer allows me to stay connected and provides me with new dreams and goals because it connects me to opportunity.

6. My sense of adventure

I love traveling and it is the one thing I love to spend money on.  This year I was able to visit friends all around the state on a regular basis, take different vacations to different parts of the country, and discover new places that I hope to be able to explore.  I want to see the world and my sense of wanderlust is something that affects me on a daily basis.  Like my horses, it provides me with a sense of purpose.

Outside our nation's capitol on my recent adventure to DC

7. My friends

I have some of the best friends in the world.  They constantly offer me support and encouragement.  They help me make amazing memories and force me to be a better person on a daily basis.  They build me up, yet know when to call me out.  I'm one lucky lady to have so many exceptional friends that I can consistently count on.

Laura and I during our hike in Devil's Lake State Park

8. Natural beauty

I am someone who finds beauty in the little things.  I'm constantly grabbing the camera to catch a sunset or sunrise so I can remember it forever, or enjoying the way the rain hits the window during a storm.  Or simply watching a butterfly fly through the air.  I am very thankful that I have this sense of appreciation in the beauty around me because it constantly puts a smile on my face and keep life in perspective.

Natural beauty in my own back yard