On the Bandwagon

So, I am the 298347th person to do this, but I have been thinking quite a bit about what I have to be thankful for, and felt it would be helpful to write it out. I spend so many days just wrapped up in day-to-day stresses and pressures (many of which are self-created), and I know I don't look at the big picture frequently enough.

So, without further adieu, and in no particular order:

• I am thankful that my grandparents were healthy enough to make it to my graduation in May. They are two of the most important people to me, hands down. My mom and I lived with them for a few years after we ran away from my biological dad, and so we've always had a special bond. I have no idea who I would be if it had not been for their support, love, and wisdom throughout my life.

• I am thankful that my mom started back to law school this fall. She put that dream on hold for 15 years, so that she could put my dad's career first and invest more time in us kids, and I'm glad she is doing this for herself now.

• I am thankful that I have a boyfriend that accepts me for who I am, "issues" included, and treats me incredibly well. We seem to be on the same page about our pacing, etc, and I'm extremely comfortable with him. I am thankful that he makes me laugh so many times a day. I am thankful that, for some reason I cannot fathom, he seems to care about me a lot, and while I don't understand it at all, it's nice. :)

• I am thankful that my bone density has improved over the last 18 months.

• I am thankful for my friend J. I haven't mentioned him much on here lately, I don't think. We live about 7 hours apart now, but are in touch via text/email/FB daily. He has been the most amazing source of support while I have gotten settled in here, I truly don't deserve a friend like him.

• I'm thankful that I have found a therapist that is willing to go to bat for me. I am thankful that she knows that I need pushed, and isn't shy about doing it

• I am thankful that my Dad has a stable job.

• I am thankful for my dog, who could not be a better fit for me if I'd ordered him out of a catalog. Woot for pound puppies!

• I am thankful for my major professor, who is a great mentor and is putting considerable time, money, and effort into helping me get my thesis project up and running.

• I am thankful that I live in a country in which I am able to pursue an education and career of my choosing.

• I am thankful for white-chocolate coconut peanut butter, and coffee, and cinnamon raisin bread.

• I am thankful for my ultra-warm down jacket, that keeps me comfortable even on frosty mornings walking G.

• I am thankful that my baby brothers are growing into such fine young men.

• I am thankful for the treefrogs that live on my front porch, and never fail to make me smile.

• I am thankful that I am the most physically healthy that I have been in years, and that my brain and body seem to be able to forgive me for the years of abuse. Slowly but surely. Still have a road ahead, but trying to learn from each mistake.

• I am thankful for all of the people I have met through this blog, you are such an incredible group of people, I cannot express how much your comments mean to me, and how much I value reading your blogs as well. I am so thankful that this little blog community is so healthy and supportive, I have no idea what this recovery endeavor of mine would have been like without you all.

• I am thankful that I am thankful. I hope this makes sense: I don't think I was ungrateful for things before, but for so many years, holidays were just a time of increased stress and anxiety, and I rarely took time to reflect on the meaning of the whole thing. I'm thankful that there is less of that noise in my mind now, so I can really appreciate the many positive aspects of my life. It's good to be reminded of what I'm fighting for.

Please take care, treat yourselves kindly tomorrow and every day. Happy Thanksgiving.