The holidays are once more upon us. Through mad dashes to meet work deadlines, beating the crowds and shopping for the holiday feast, realizing how many Saturdays until Christmas, it’s no wonder we’re all worn out and suffering colds. Nerves are on edge. I’ve never really been someone that stresses too much on the normal given day but there have been times when it’s gotten the best of me. Despite rumors, I am human. 😉

I wanted to compile a list of things I’m thankful for and mentally align myself so that I can focus on what’s important in life. When I do that, it takes the stress off of things that aren’t that important.

Family, number one is important to me. If we have a roof over our head, we are all “ok”, and if there is food on the table … everything else is simply the “bigger picture” and I know it will somehow be OK.

This is the heart, and core of my existence.

Relationships are part of number one. Nurture your relationships and make sure your bond is strong. That way when the hard weather comes in, your “home” can withstand it. My friends are treated like family and I don’t make much distinction between blood family and those I consider a friend. Now, I need to note here that I have friends and I have acquaintances. They’re not the number count on my social media. For example, if you don’t have my phone number we’re probably just very friendly acquaintances. It doesn’t degrade who you are or our connection, it could mean we aren’t lifelong friends that grew up together and hang out, etc.

When it comes to professional relationships, I treat them with as much care. My parents taught me to have integrity about what I say and what I do as a professional because your name is your brand, whether it’s your own business or you’re working for someone else. Sometimes it’s just as hard when you have to end a business relationship as it is when you have to end a real friendship because of the work and trust that you forge into it from the very start.

There’s always someone that takes the break up harder than the other, and has a difficult time progressing in a forward motion. I try my best, to get things out and on the table. Say what I need to say, and then once the fight is over, I move on. There’s no reason to keep dwelling on what’s in the rear view mirror. If you take your eyes off the road, you end up with bad results.

The other part of the relationship aspect, is Self-Care. In order to take care of yourself, you have to be honest with yourself. Admit weaknesses and identify strengths. Surround yourself with things that lift you up and enlighten your spirit. Feed your soul and your mind good things and good things will be manifested in everything else.

As Shakespeare wrote, To thine own self, be true. If you cannot take care of these basic things, nothing else will fall into place. Creating a solid foundation makes for a lasting home. For me, my family and who I am is that home and sanctuary for me.

So this year, I’m thankful for coming to this point in my life where I have said goodbye to things that are harmful for me, forged relationships that are good for me, nurtured my family and friends to the best of my ability, and I can finally see the path ahead of me and know where I’m trying to go.

That is what I wish for all of you going into this new year. Patience to discover, and to analyze what needs fixing. Strength to repair and forge those solid foundations and to get rid of the ones that cause disrepair. And Vision to see the future with clarity, to know what it is you want to achieve, hone in on it without distraction, and to set your course for it.

I give thanks for all the support and love I’ve received from my family, friends, acquaintances, and yes, even the strangers in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

I am Thankful for:

My Love – For supporting me, helping me when I can barely walk, listening to my rants, always trying and never giving up.
My Children – who I am so lucky to be very  close to. I’m so proud of all of you. Through everything you guys always fight through and make it on top. You guys are fighters and I love you with every breath in my body.
My Family – For making me who I am, for making my “home” as warm as it is, and supporting me no matter what hair brained idea I come up with.
My Friends – For becoming an extension of my “home”, my heart, my life and being there for me in my darkest hours.

I’m also thankful for fans and acquaintances and strangers who have supported me and touched my life, making it what it is in this moment.

I’m thankful for those that have mentored me, and built me up to who I am now. Their time is invaluable, as well as their knowledge.

I’m thankful that despite all the pain I face everyday, I wake up and see the dawn of another day. As long as I have that, I can fight for the next step.

I’m thankful that the pain reminds me I’m still here and fighting.

I’m thankful that the result of what I go through teaches me, and allows me to learn from it.

I’m thankful for the random, “just because” hugs I get. Mostly the ones from my kids, but hugs are connections from friends as well. (It’s a little weird getting hugs from strangers. We’ll handle that on a case by case basis lol!)