As is the custom, I'd like to explore some of the things I am thankful for this year. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
I am thankful for (relatively) healthy children. Aside from a cold or allergies, my kids have been relatively healthy, and for this I am thankful. My kids keep me on my toes every day, and even though some days are frustrating and exhausting, I love them with all of my heart and I am forever thankful they are in my life.
I am thankful for my husband, who continues to put up with my ridiculousness every day.
I am thankful for a clean bedroom. It gives me a safe space to dance, lay of the floor, play with the animals, or just sit quietly as I recharge with some quiet time.
I am thankful for my husband's job - which keeps him away from home a lot, but pays our bills.
I am thankful for food in my cupboards with which to make meals for my family. I am thankful for the ability to create meals. I'm not the best chef, but nobody has gotten food poisoning or died from my cooking - it's edible 99.9% of the time. This month my mom called me for my chicken and rice recipe when #2 requested it while staying at her house. Success!
I am thankful for mobility and the ability to exercise. Since feeling better following my extended illness early this year, I've started to be more active. I put on music and dance around. As of today I'm down 33 pounds from my top weight at the beginning of the year. Just increased activity and smaller portions - no surgery, no fad diets and protein shakes, no gym membership, no exercise routine/schedule.
I am thankful for my health. Though I struggle with it sometimes, I am thankfully free of the worst of the symptoms for now. I am thankful for figuring out what I need to change and avoid in my diet to avoid triggering a health issue. I am also thankful that the dietary restrictions are both healthy, and helpful in losing some weight.
I am thankful for my parents. I know I'll miss them when they're gone, so I am thankful for every day I have with them - even if we don't always see eye to eye or agree on things. I love them and have a deep respect for them.
I am thankful for social media. OK, so I may have an odd fascination with TikTok. Yesterday I posted a "story time" and as of this morning there were 2976 views, 258 likes, and I got 26 new followers for that video alone. Wow. I still have fewer "followers" than my kids on their accounts, but hey, the idea that 80+ people are interested in me enough to see what other content I provide is pretty cool.
I am thankful for my pets. I love them, they provide me with endless entertainment, emotional support, and an overall feeling of security. When I see my geese in the yard, my heart is happy.
I am thankful for my creativity. Sometimes it leaks out in strange ways, but I love having it. My current project is crocheting a Gryffindor colored scarf to add to my next cosplay. I'm also learning to use makeup to create a somewhat realistic beard for the cosplay - though I may scrap it because if I can't make it believable, I'd rather risk playing a clean-faced version of the character and not being recognized... but then again, I've only tried it out four times so far. There's still a lot of room for improvement.
I am thankful for my home. I truly live in the most beautiful place on Earth. sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, even when the lake is frozen. I live in my happy place.