Although Thanksgiving isn’t until next week, I’ve been spending a lot of time over these past few days doing some reflection and meditating on my life in 2024 through now – the big changes, accomplishments, ups and downs and, most importantly – the people who have been with me and by my side throughout it all. Even though we’re living in uncertain times right now (and it’s likely to get even more uncertain by next year,) I still have so much to be grateful for in my life.
I tend to put together posts like these around this time each year as we inch closer and closer to the holidays – both to remind others to look at the positive aspects of their own lives during what can and often is a challenging time of year for so many, and to also remind myself of just how lucky I am on the days when I’m feeling drained or overwhelmed and need to center myself or refocus.
It goes without saying that I am thankful for another year of good health, especially given the dental emergency I experienced over the Summer that required a few consultations, x-rays and surgical procedures to fix/correct. I’m so grateful for the team that was tasked with my care and recovery and their gentle, often playful demeanors as they saw me through what could have otherwise been a scary and traumatic experience. They are the best – and I make sure to smile extra big each day as a way to thank them!
I’m also blessed for the ample time that was spent with so many friends and family this year – from holidays, to parties and dinners, birthday celebrations, road trips, game and movie nights, etc. I have truly found and formed such a wonderful, hilarious and loving support system to surround myself with over the years – and it continues to grow as we meet and encounter new faces and places in our lives. The more the merrier, after all!
I’m so grateful for Troy, who is one of the best friends and boyfriends I could have ever hoped for in my life. Things aren’t always easy given the long distance between us, and we may have disagreements from time to time over stupid, trivial things from time to time – but we’ve made it work extraordinarily well. I’ve never had to question his love for me. He has spoiled me and gone above and beyond for me so many times over the years, especially in 2024. I adore him and the life we have together at this point in our lives.
I’m also so, so thankful that he was triumphant and vindicated at his long-awaited trial earlier this year after over five years of actively pursuing the truth and justice for the pain that was needlessly inflicted upon him. Being able to close that horrific chapter in his life has been a blessing for him, and for me, because we can finally move forward from it with hope and optimism.
I’m grateful for my career/job, even if it can get pretty stressful and chaotic sometimes – and the fact that it pays my rent, my bills, and has given me the chance to buy a brand new car this year is something I wouldn’t have thought possible so many years ago when I was still in college and trying to figure myself out. 2024 is the year I truly felt like a “grown up” – even if it was only for a split second before I was back to doing or saying something immature again.
And I’m still beyond thankful to those of you who continue to support and visit ‘Coffee & Chiffon‘ regularly. I never in a million years thought that I would find an audience with this little blog of mine, but I did – and I’m so appreciative of each and every one of you!
So while I’ll be blogging regularly leading up to next week’s holiday and long weekend with some pre-planned content I’m excited to share before we jump into December – I just had to express all this gratitude nice and early!
Cheers to all of you and the things you’re thankful for this year, too!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 