What I’m thankful for
Today is Thanksgiving in America.
Historical roots or fallacy aside, it’s a day that Americans have steeped in tradition: turkey, cranberry, family, stories. Today, I’m celebrating Friends-Giving in true New York City style: Californians, parades, Thai takeout, Central Park carriage rides. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, as I settle into a life here: I wanted to take a moment, as much for myself as for this blog, to remember every thing I have to be thankful for.
I am thankful for my health. For every day that I wake up without a runny nose or a headache, because I rarely fully appreciate the delicious ease of being able to breathe and think clearly. For a stomach that can handle the bold flavors of Southeast Asian street food and cheap tacos in California. For every day that passes without me regretting not having health insurance.
I am thankful for my body. For legs that can walk through cities, up mountains, across beaches. For eyes that can see the colors in all their vibrancy, from the sparkling turquoise of the sea to the bright yellow of spring’s first tulip to my favorite neon pink nail polish. For a nose that can smell freshly-baked bread, the tang of saltwater in the air, a heady dose of sandalwood essential oil. For the sense of taste that can appreciate the nuances of dark chocolate, the crunch of an apple, the creaminess of feta cheese.
I am thankful for the simple wonders of nature. For sunrises and sunsets that are more perfectly, unexpectedly beautiful that anything man could consciously create. For salt water that can float my worries away. For the simple burst of sunshine that can quite literally brighten my day.
I’m thankful for all the little, unimportant things that make me smile. For books and Netflix and deep conditioner masks. For white wine and anthropologie and yoga classes. For pedicures with massaging chairs and fashion magazines and my iPod. For the chance to walk through the city at dusk, for the printed-out Instagrams that line my desk and remind of where I’ve been.
I am thankful for my family. For parents who not only support (almost) every crazy idea I come up with, but are constantly encouraging me to go further. For working hard so that I could take on the world with a degree and savings and for teaching me how to work just as hard and manage my money: none of my successes would be possible without that. Mom, for a taste for white wine and garlic pretzels, for never being too busy to put things in the mail, for showing me how to be a lady who can manage a business as well as any man. Dennis, for homemade oatmeal cookies, Mexican food instead of fish and being the best dad a girl could ask for. For being lucky enough to have 24 years with a grandmother who taught me how to bake and ride a bike and who made me laugh every day, even now.
I am thankful for my friends. Miamah, for conversations that always end in tears of laughter. Katelyn, for always being ready to commiserate or celebrate on gchat. Rex, for reminding me that enthusiasm can save the world. Aly, for being someone to whom I can admit the things I shouldn’t. Kate, for a smile whenever I open the mailbox.
To the friends who blog, for always inspiring me to keep sharing. To the friends who travel, for constantly re-sparking my wanderlust. To the friends who stay put, for reminding me of joy and comfort of having a home.
I’m thankful for all the readers of this blog. For the comments and likes and shares and tweets and emails that make me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. Thank you.
I’m thankful for all the little strokes of luck that have led me to where I am today. For being born in a time and a country where I’m freer than ever to lead the life I want. For the serendipitious coffee dates that scored me the jobs that I’ve loved, with bosses I’ve admired. For the opportunity and the courage to fly across oceans and set up a life wherever the plane lands.
What are you thankful for?
