MY GRATITUDE LIST

All the things I'm most grateful for

1. Creating healthier space within my relationships with family

I've definitely outgrown a couple of relationships with close family members, and I finally don’t feel bad about it. Taking a step back has been the best thing I’ve done for my peace, especially since there was a time when I couldn’t imagine not having these people in my life in that way. It feels like the curtain lifted and made me question why I was still allowing family members with traits I don’t align with to have access to me in ways I’d never allow in my other relationships. I’m done letting things slide just because it’s family.

2. Allowing myself to feel every emotion, even when it arrives imperfectly

This didn’t begin with grief, but grief was definitely the catalyst. I’ve always had to be stoic in the way I show up in the world, but there was a time when I was even holding back from myself. It led to emotional blowups and big mistakes. This year, I’ve allowed myself to feel normal human emotions without embarrassment, and without convincing myself that I don’t have time to be sad, angry, disappointed, or stressed. I’m learning that in order to heal it, you really do have to feel it.

3. Letting my friendships pour back into me when I need it

If I had to rank these by what I’m most grateful for, this one would be at the top. Holding space for my chosen family has truly been a gift. I no longer feel like I’m carrying the weight of life alone. My inner circle is healing, inspiring, and grounding in all the right ways. Even a simple girls’ night out or a birthday celebration has filled my cup to the brim this year. I feel so full.

4. Stepping into the leader the universe knows I am, even when I want to run and hide

Wow, this is a big one. Since my dad passed, I’ve had to grab the reins at home and take charge. Things definitely shifted when my younger sister moved back, and navigating that relationship has been draining. I didn’t realize how much my dad supported my mom until he was gone. He really was her life partner. I’ve stepped up to support her—not to replace him, but to help her regain her independence. It’s been really hard, and I haven’t always been the best leader, but I’m here.

5. Returning to blogging on Dear Reader and finding joy in it again

Ah, my one true love. I’m so glad to be back. Whenever life starts lifeing, writing always brings me back to myself. I’ve been having so much fun creating again. Stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come.

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Now I encourage you to create your own list of what you’re grateful for. The goal is to build a daily habit of practicing gratitude. In a world that constantly tells us we’re not enough or don’t have enough, gratitude brings us back to the present and opens the door for more blessings to enter our lives. See you soon!