A Time to Give Thanks

Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for what you have and just taking notice of the goodness in life. Feeling grateful boosts happiness reduces stress, shifts the mind away from negative emotions, leads to healthier relationships, and even helps us sleep better. It is essential to our mental health to take some time to appreciate the life that God has given us. Sometimes we can get so caught up in what goes wrong that we forget to acknowledge the things that go right or even just the small things in life. And at times, we also should be thankful for some of the things that go “wrong.” That door just may not have been for you, and that’s okay! I’m not perfect, and there are times when I must remind myself to be grateful. Like when I get ready to complain about gas prices, I just thank God I have the means to fill my car up. It eases that negative feeling. (But $3, though?! Whew, chile!)

As we are nearing Thanksgiving, which is a time centered around giving thanks, I thought I’d share some things that I am thankful for in my life. I hope that you will share what you are grateful for in the comments! Get those happy feelings flowing!

Friends

I am genuinely grateful for the friends that have been placed in my life. This goes for all of you, whether we talk every day, once a week, or once a month. Each of you brings something special to my life. Every laugh, conversation, text message, memes, fun nights out, nights in, spending time with your children, phone calls, gifts, trips, advice…all of it is appreciated. I am always so aware that no one has to do anything for you, so I take none of it for granted. Your presence enriches my life, so I am grateful for your lives.

Family

I am thankful for my family, no matter how crazy they are.

1. My parents have done things for me throughout my adult life that they most definitely didn’t have to, and I am forever grateful. Life is tough, but it’s a little easier when you know you have a soft place to land when things don’t work out just right.

2. Anyone who knows me knows I will absolutely throw hands over my sister. My sister is 100% better than yours, and I’ll put money on that! She may be “mean as a snake,” but she takes care of me. She even takes care of my friends too. None of it goes unnoticed or unappreciated. It is always my pleasure to do things for her.

3. My beautiful and loving aunts are the best! I have one that has traveled the entire world and is still trying to ignite my wanderlust. She is most definitely that fly, luxurious aunt that we all talk about. And the other always has an ear for me when I’m going through something and always has an encouraging word when I’m trying something new or just feeling bad. You are appreciated. I have some dope uncles too, but the ladies run this!

4. I am thankful for my cousins. I have so many amazing cousins that keep me laughing. It’s been amazing getting to know all of you again as adults. We’ve come a long way from playing in the red dirt in Evergreen in the summertime.

5. I can’t mention family without mentioning my late grandmother. I have her tattooed on my back because she was everything. She was the epitome of love and reminded me of my beauty when I didn’t even see it. I’m still her “pretty, black gal,” and I’m going to keep showing these “big ‘ol pretty legs” cause Gay Belle told me to!

Music

It is my solace. I can’t remember my life without it. I’m the kind of girl that listens to all the instruments, harmonies, and every lyric. I’m also the kind of girl that may be listening to Kirk Franklin one minute and Marilyn Manson the next. Everything reminds me of a song. There’s a soundtrack to all my memories, whether good or bad. As a fellow creative, I simply appreciate the art.

And I promise ya’ll I am going to master the piano eventually! You won’t be able to tell me a damn thing when I can play all the songs I listen to every day!

God

I am definitely thankful for all of the blessings I have received and know that I will receive in the future. I’ve had a rough year but still feel blessed despite that. I always trust that everything is working out for my greater good because I trust His plan for my life. At times, I think I know better what I need, but those re-directions let me know He’s always looking out. Forever grateful!

The People Reading This

I am so grateful for each person that decides to read any of my posts. I’m just a regular, Southern girl outchea tryna make it, and the fact that you’re here interested in what I have to say means everything. All I hope to do is inspire in whatever way I can. I’ve been writing since I was a kid, and it’s always scary sharing your inner thoughts with people, but I feel like that’s how we help each other know we aren’t alone. Social media can paint a picture of perfection over some of the biggest messes and have us thinking that it’s just us out here making mistakes. The more we share and connect, the more we see that we aren’t all that different. Thank you!!

Honorable Mentions

I’m thankful for fabulous shoes, beautiful jewelry, Fall weather, spontaneous road trips, good genes, Martin reruns, hugs, kisses, cuddles, puppies (especially the one my parents better be getting me for Christmas!), black content creators, memes, Tiktok, Starbucks, the gym, my mama’s pound cake and that new wing place they just put in Eastchase! Them hot wings made a juicy girl like me so excited! LOL!

Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll!!