Give Thanks.

This is shameful. I have not wrote a blog since July and I LOVE writing. As far as my personal life goes, a lot has happened I suppose. I got a promotion at work and that's going great, I moved out of my grandparents and into my own place, AND the boyfriend moved as well - no more long distance relationship for me after a long year. So, in retrospect, my life is going pretty great. It's crazy how time goes by and sometimes you think things will never work out and somehow they just do. I've waited a while for things to be at this point, so it's great. Now... onto other things.

Today while I was working out I was thinking about how lucky I am because I am, I am damn lucky. For the most part, I have always been a happy person. Even during my shit-tastic childhood and some of the other shit-tastic things that have happening in my life, I always manage to find the good in everything and I absolutely love that about myself. Otherwise, I think I would be miserable. It's no secret that I didn't have a "normal" childhood, and really once I have learned about other people's childhoods, you find that a lot of people really didn't. I was talking to someone the other day and it is a conversation that I have had many times in my life with different people.. the comment from this person was, "The different between you and your mom are like night and day." and without a doubt, it is true. We went on to talk about how too many people will use their past as a crutch. I don't believe in blaming other people for the way your life may have turned out because even though this saying has been getting old lately, "You choose your own destiny." I cannot say that I don't love my parents because I do love my parents very much and if they could - they would have given my brother and I the world, but that wasn't in their priorities, so they couldn't. I consider myself to be successful in my life. Some things happened by luck, but a lot of things were up to me. That being said, if it were not for my amazing grandparents - I am not sure where I would be, they are amazing people and I don't tell them enough. Anyway, I am starting to ramble. Back to the part where I was saying how sometimes I feel as though I am extremely lucky - I have a good life with good people in it who want to see my succeed and I think that is something that everyone needs because sometimes it is hard to be your own motivational coach. When I look back on how I am lucky, I look at the things that could have "broken me" (that's a little dramatic maybe, but it's the only words I could think to use.) Like I said, I absolutely love my parents, but I am glad they made mistakes because I was able to learn from those mistakes and it really did teach me what not to do and to this day it still teaches me life lessons. From the time I turned 16, I got a job and I haven't stopped since then, sometimes working 2-3 jobs. I've had my heart broken and that is something that I have had to work on a lot because it really does change you - if you've been there, then you know because you're really not the same person afterward and I don't exactly think that is a bad thing. Time and time again I have been told that I am "too nice" and hell, maybe I am, but I'm okay with that. I think it is because I feel extremely blessed and I mean that. When life has knocked me down, I have gotten right back up. SO, because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I wanted to make a list of things that I am thankful for - everyone is doing it on Facebook, but I didn't join in that like I normally would... here it goes.

1. My family; blood and non-blood. I love you all the same.

2. My friends, especially my sister-friends who I know would without a doubt be there for me a drop of a hat.

3. My fur-children; Ralph and Maddie.

4. My job. I am so thankful to be employed with what I consider a great job. It has made my life for stable and I have met some really great people.

5. The ability to do things on my own. Such as get dressed, go to the bathroom, walk, etc. There are some people that do not have that ability.

6. My boyfriend. Even when I drive him absolutely nuts, he is still my #1 fan. He loves me to the ends of the Earth and I am beyond thankful for him entering my life over a year ago. 

7. Music. 

8. And a bunch of other things in my life that I am extremely thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Be thankful : )