Thankful

This year has been a doozy! It’s hard to top the year you get married, but somehow 2019 felt just as magical as 2018. The highlight reel spins off memories of travels to new, exciting places and life with our puppy. It’s all been quite the adventure! But there have also been lots of in-between moments. Moments that might not be the most grand, but taught you a lot about yourself. I’m thankful for all of them-- good and bad, happy and sad. Of course I have a lot of appreciation for the moments that were big and beautiful like our honeymoon in France, hiking a glacier in Iceland with my mom, and girls trip to Mexico. But here are a few alternative examples of why I’m thankful this season: 

Thankful that we have a roof over our heads despite it leaking into half of our house this summer. It taught me about panic… and how not to. 

Thankful for missed deadlines that continuously teach me about time management; my Achilles' heel. 

Thankful for my chickens that have gotten sick and passed. It taught me a lot about unconditional love for all creatures. Also, appreciation for the food and companionship (if you can believe it) for the time they were alive. 

Thankful for marital tiffs that allow me to be pushed and grow in my ability to communicate clearly, be more patient, and understanding. 

Thankful for my credit card bills that teach me about discipline. Ugh.

Thankful for walks with my puppy, even if its 14 degrees out and I REALLY don’t want to leave the warm, cozy house. Or when he bites my face while playing. Or eats our shoes. Or chases the chickens. I’m thankful I promise….

My point is not to focus on the negative, but to show that even life’s trials can be a gift-- to teach you about a place inside of you that you didn’t know or you’re learning to understand. Take those places and mold them into an experience you’re proud to have. Your challenges allow you to enjoy the sweet, spectacular moments even more. 

To end on my favorite “thankful” of the year: always my patients. You all inspire me, teach me, allowing me to be a part of your life and help you with your own mental, physical, emotional hiccups that pop up. It brings me so much joy to celebrate your successes and assist you on your path to wellness. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your blessings on my life. None of my BIG thankfuls would be possible without you. Next time you’re in, let me know what you’re the most thankful for this year. Happy holidays!