Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! This year has been an extremely difficult year for me, but I still have a lot to be thankful for and I wanted to write a blog about everything that I'm grateful for in my life. Let's do this (in no particular order). . .

  
1.) My kids. I couldn't be more thankful for my 2 beautiful daughters. They are my reason for living, my reason for breathing....the reason I strive to do the best I can && why I stay on my grind. Everything I do is for them. They are my inspiration && my heart. What more can I say...

2.) My family. I am thankful that I have a family that loves me and my kids. My family knows my past && has forgiven me for it, and for that, I am so grateful. They have been my support when no one else was around...when everyone else gave up on me, they were there. I don't know what I would do without them.

3.) A roof over my head, food in my stomach, && clothes on my back. This year was definitely a struggle, but I have to remind myself that there will always be someone worse off than me, so I have to be grateful for all of the things I have. I haven't gone hungry, I've worked out a place to live, && I have more clothes than I know what to do with. I'm thankful that all of my needs are met.

4.) My (very few) true friends. Although it's been really hard, I am thankful that I have the few true friends I do. I've learned this year who my true friends are, and it's the people that have been there for a long time. Even though it hurt a lot, and even though I've shed some tears, I've pushed the people that don't deserve to be there out of my life && made room for new friends. I don't trust easily at all, so if I give you my trust && you fuck it up, you will never get it back. I've been given second chances so I will give second chances, but I promise the relationship will never be how it was the first time. The people that have (tried) to fuck me over are dead to me, and the ones that deserve my love are in my life and I'm so happy that our relationships are growing stronger. I've really bonded with the people that I love this year and I am ecstatic about that.

5.) That I've been able to help people. I'm thankful that even though most of the year I didn't have much, I've been able to help people. I have a big heart and unfortunately my kindness can be taken for weakness, but I am very observant and I know when someone is trying to play me. I did a lot for others this year and gave back to people as much as I could. Whether it was donating clothes, giving people rides, buying them food, giving money to people on the street, etc. it made me feel good. Tom and I saw this guy walking down the street with a sign, and we gave him $10. It made his day-- he couldn't stop thanking us && it made me feel so good. I know a lot of people are going to say "well he'll probably use it on drugs, alcohol, etc."... the point is that I gave from the heart, and whatever he chooses to do with it is his business. Another time we saw a homeless guy (who was very obviously mentally retarded as well) and we gave him $8. He was so sweet, he said "thank you so much, no one has done this for me before, I even cleaned up all the garbage over here and made it look nice...". I love to see people that are truly grateful, it really makes me feel good. I love helping people and will continue to help people as much as I possibly can. I am a strong believer in karma and I know that people have helped me when I really needed it so it eventually comes full circle.

6.) My body (losing weight). I am extremely thankful that through much hard work && perseverance, I've been able to start getting my body to where I want it to be. I've been working out like crazy, watching what I eat, and I'm finally seeing some results. I'm so thankful that I'm getting my confidence back && that I'm getting healthier and more fit, because for a long time I was miserable and extremely self-conscious. It feels good to feel good about yourself.

7.) My relationship with Tom. I'm so glad that this year my relationship with Tom has become stronger. Even after all of the difficult obstacles life has thrown at us, we've been able to stick together && it's made us stronger. Through having to move with barely any notice, to losing jobs, getting new jobs, deaths of family/friends, being betrayed by friends, etc. we have been by each other's side and stayed together no matter what. I am truly, truly blessed to have such an amazing man on my side. I never thought I'd have such a close bond with another human being. I believe God made us for each other. Tom really is my other half and I don't know what I would do without him.

8.) My relationship with my mom. My mom && I have always been close but this year we've gotten even closer. Especially within the last few months. I am so thankful that I have such an amazing mom who is always there for me, knows when I need her, is my shoulder to lean on no matter what, and is my best friend. I'm so happy we can be there for each other no matter how many miles apart we are. I love my mom so much && don't know what I'd do without her. <3

No matter how bad you think your life is, everyone has something to be thankful for. Remember to give thanks for the things (and people) you have in your life. Tomorrow isn't promised so be grateful for what you have today. <3 Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I hope you have a great one spent with friends, family, and loved ones.

xo, Sarah