10 Things I'm Thankful For

It is Thanksgiving week already, and as I write this, I keep questioning myself if there is any reason why I should celebrate Thanksgiving this year. As of my last post, my divorce has not been any easier. I'm still going through an emotional roller coaster every day. However, I must admit that the heartache has now been less painful although the feeling of sadness is still strong. I have read once that the best cure for improving negative emotions is practicing the Art of Gratitude. Therefore, I have decided that I will celebrate Thanksgiving this year and have made a list of things I am and will always be thankful for.

1. Thank you God! Thank you for giving me the strength and courage for surviving a very difficult challenge in my life. I know You are taking care of me so thank you for leading me on this healing journey one step at a time.

2. Thankful for my good health. For the last 8 weeks since the separation, I have not been sick, I have managed to go to work every single day, I have been eating better and sleeping better. The best part is, I have lost 24 pounds. I've received quite a few compliments for this weight loss so thank you!

3. Thankful for my daughter. My daughter and I has been closer than ever. She has become my biggest supporter and listener just like true best friends.

4. Thankful for my parents. My parents especially my mother has been truly amazing these last 8 weeks. Even at 46 years old, she still takes care of me like I am her little girl.

5. Thankful for my family. My brother, sister in law, cousins, aunts who are constantly calling me up and checking on how I'm doing.

6. Thankful for my best friend. I seriously think that my best friend from Utah is the sister that I never had. She knows everything about me, what I'm feeling at every moment of everyday. She listens, consoles and gives me hope and joy that things will turn out for the best. She hooked me up with this amazing room at a recent trip in Asheville and even surprised me with tea and cookies. 

7. Thankful for my friends. Going through divorce has made me realize the importance of real friends. These past few weeks, I cannot believe how much friends I have who really care about me and what I'm going through. I'm especially thankful for one friend who makes me laugh all the time when I'm feeling sad, and who is so caring that I was given home cooked healthy food for a week. Thankful to friends who take me out to the movies, happy hours, parties and other fun things because I deserve to have fun! I have also reconnected with old friends and have met new friends through support groups. It's a great feeling to have a connection with people that understand what I'm going through.

8. Thankful for my job. It's amazing how supportive everyone is at work. My managers, my co-workers, they have been so understanding!

9. Thankful for vacation. During last week's trip to Charlotte for a conference, I drove up to Asheville, NC and was finally able to visit the Biltmore Estate. It's amazing! It's my first vacation as a single lady and I must admit, I had a good time.

10. Finally, I'm thankful for the Gift of Hope. There is no doubt in my mind that there is hope beyond this pain. That this is simply the end of my marriage, not my life. That after this transition, I will be an even better person and that the best is yet to come.

Here's to hoping for the best Thanksgiving everyone! May you be surrounded with its true meaning.