23 Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving

1. My Mom- what a selfless, caring woman who has overcome so much in her life. She shows unconditional love and I hope one day I can become half the woman she is.
2. Family- my family is what shapes me. What would I do without all 14 of my cousins? I never would have learned my love for football, hiking, being outdoors, and coca-cola, if it wasn't for them. Love all the people that make up my crazy, large, family.
3. Friendship- sometimes I don't even know where to begin cause my friends are amazing. It's taken me a long time to find these friendships and it was defiantly worth the wait cause I got the best! And I keep meeting more sweet new friends to add to the mix :)
4. God's Love- it's like a warm cozy blanket by the fire in January. His love is just this comfort, that I carry with me daily, knowing that I am enough for Him and that is all that matters.
5. Travel- this world is such a beautiful place! I love seeing and experiencing new things, and I am grateful that I get the such wonderful opportunities to travel that I do.
6. Crew- the sport that has changed my life. It has taught me patience and teamwork especially, but I also love everything else that rowing/crew has to offer me. I love everything about how I spend 20 hours of my week. 
7. Good Health- you know how when you're sick, you wish you were anything but sick, and then once you're better you take your health for granted? This fall I have been lucky to escape many illnesses other people close to me have caught and that is such a blessing! 
8. Sunshine- I live in one of the most overcast/rainy places on earth and sunshine ask definitely not something I take for granted! I do hope one day to live in a place that gets more sunshine, but right now I am just happy that the rain subsided thanksgiving afternoon.
9. Journaling- it's a way I stay connected to God, it's a way I release my feelings and struggles. I do it every night before going to bed, and it helps me clear my head every night and it also helps strengthen my relationship with God.
10. Education- even though I'm thrilled I have this 4 day weekend, I know that many other kids don't have this opportunity for education that I do. It is a privilege for me to be able to go to school everyday without anything to prohibit me from pursuing an education. 
11. Animals- got to be general with this one, because every living creature is important and part of God's creation. So yes, I'm thankful for all the animals from the banana slugs and spiders to the koalas and whales.
12. Music- I believe that music is a powerful thing. For me it's another outlet for my own emotions and just to be able to relate to the both the joy and pain in songs. Plus, I do love singing in the shower ;)
13. Mistakes- Carrie Underwood put it perfectly in her song, "Lesson's Learned". All about how every pain, every stupid decision, every mistake only helps us grown and how we have to look at our mistakes as just another life lesson.
14. Books- reading is something I think most of us could do more often. There is so much wisdom in the words other people have written. I have been so encouraged and inspired by so many authors. 
15. Voice- we have the power of the tongue, the freedom of speech. Our words are powerful, let's use them to change the world!
16. Tears- because they remind us that we feel. That sometime's we hurt. Crying doesn't make us weak and you don't have to wear your heart on your sleeve to cry once in a while. Tears just help us remember that we do feel deeply sometimes.
17. Social Media- I don't believe that we should live our lives through social media, but it does have some awesome benefits. I love that I get to meet and stay connected with people from all across the country.
18. Summer Nights- do I really need to say more? I think we all can picture that perfect summer night in our minds.
19. Laughter- they say laughter is the best medicine and I totally agree. The best moments are the moments you're laughing so hard you can't breathe and the tears are rolling down your cheeks. 
20. The Outside- there is nothing I love more then being outside (even if I'm just sitting on the front porch when it's raining). Just being outside and with nature brings me a sense of peace, comfort, and joy.
21. My Heart- my heart allows me to love and to make deep connections with others. I could focus on the heartbreak, but I choose to focus on all the love I feel.
22. Overcoming Fears- it's the most freeing thing to conquer one of your fears. To be able to say to yourself "I did it," and be able to move forward with a newfound confidence. 
23. Today- I got to spend an entire day with my family and then stuff my face full of turkey and other fixings. I got to scream as the Cowboys got defeated by the Chargers. I got to play game after game with my cousins, take a family walk in the pouring rain, and figure out how to set our small table for 12 people. I'm thankful for today, and I'm thankful for everyday that I get to live.