I try to run through a list of things I’m thankful for every night before I go to bed. (One of the best ways to fall asleep, especially after a long/stressful day!) But I think there’s something especially great about carving (see what I did there?) an extra day out of the year to truly sit back and reflect on everything that we have to be grateful and thankful for.
This year, I have so so so much to be thankful for. When I look back to where I was in February, I hardly recognize myself. I’ve grown up in a lot of ways and really got to know myself. (Something to be said, I guess, about going through rough times can really teach you a lot.)
Even this summer, while it felt better than the spring and certainly probably looked better through a filtered lens, I really struggled. But this fall has been… amazing. Amazing in a way where I can look back at the previous nine months and understand why every single situation that happened was dealt to me. It makes sense and I’m grateful for every single one of those experiences. If only so that now I can understand what “good” truly feels like.
Thanksgiving 2012
I could go on and on about the things that I’m thankful for this year. The list is seemingly endless and I think that makes me even more grateful.
I’m, of course, thankful for my family. My mom fields phone calls from me a couple of times a day, whether I need to share awesome news or vent about something… she’s always there. My dad answers any and all questions I have (both ones I ask and don’t even know I need to ask) even if I’m terribly overwhelmed. And my sister… well she’s always there to keep me in check.
This has been one of the best years in terms of friends. I’ve looked closely at the relationships I had and chose wisely throughout the year who I surrounded myself with. I can 100% say that I think I lucked out in the friend department. The best friends make a huge difference.
The opportunities that have come my way are incredible. I’m incredibly grateful for every single one.
And… I’m so thankful for you. As amazing as the opportunities are, I’m just so excited that I can have these “conversations” with every one of you! I love meeting readers in person to put a face + voice to the Twitter profiles and I love getting emails and knowing that there is someone on the other side of the screen reading. I might be blogging if no one was reading, but having all of you definitely makes it a lot more fun! This year, I’ve really gotten to know a lot more of you at events, in J. Crews (ha), and through email. THANK YOU!!!
I’m excited to see what the remainder of the year holds… Oh so thankful.
What are you thankful for this year?
xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving Carly!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
Happy Thanksgiving, Carly! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family in Florida.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
This is an amazing post! Family and friends are so important and it sounds to me like you have a great support system of family and friends! Enjoy your Thanksgiving in Florida with you family! I'm jealous you'll have much nicer weather there I will here in NJ.
You have a wonderful blog! I always enjoy reading each and every one of your posts!
Kristen
http://alittlelookinsideme.blogspot.com
Adorable post!
I follow you on bloglovin.
Kisses
The Indian Savage Diary
Happy Thanksgiving, Carly! xoxo
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving girlfriend! This time of year always makes me realize how blessed I am.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Where is that dress from?!?!
SO glad that you can realize those hardships were there for a reason–to help you grow. I've been in the same situation, and in the moment, it SUCKS. But looking back, I'm so thankful that God put those situations in my life because it helped me grow stronger as a person.
Merry Christmas!
XO Katie
allglammedupstyle.com