give thanks with a grateful heart

It is so strange to think that this time last year, I was living in South Korea and feeling quite depressed about being so far away from my family and all things familiar. I remember being in that funk. I remember how ominous it felt. I remember thinking that I would feel that way the entire time I was in Korea. I remember hating that I didn't feel thankful during this season. I remember pulling myself out of it too. I remember verbally reminding myself of every single blessing I had in my life, whether it be large or small.  That is definitely something I want to continue practicing, hence the reason for this post. Here is a list of things I'm thankful for, in no specific order.  1. My family

I know this is a pretty generic one, but I really do have a great family. I am blessed with two parents who love each other very much, four sisters who encourage me, a brother who makes me laugh so hard, and a brother I'm getting to know again.  2. My Job

I get to live on a college campus, throw events for students, eat meals with them, and learn from some of the most creative, encouraging, and loving individuals I'll ever encounter. That's my job. How is that even a real? I assure you that it's real and it's just as lovely as it sounds.  3. My Friends

I am surrounded by the funniest, most caring, and loving individuals. I am positively SPOILED when it comes to the friends department. I am so undeserving of all this love, but I'll soak it in anyways! I wish I could post a picture of every single lovebug that's close to my heart, but if I did, this post would be DAYS long.  4. Glasses

I am thankful for my glasses. They've gone through many different stages: coke bottle, wire rimed, thought-they-were-cool-but-boy-was-I-wrong, colored frames, to the pair I'm currently rocking. I haven't always loved my glasses, and sometimes I wish that I would wake up with perfect vision, but my glasses enable me to see, so for that, I'm thankful.  5. Korea

Korea was the wildest, most difficult, and loveliest thing I've ever done. I can't believe it's over. I am so thankful for the time I spent in that country living, learning, loving, and losing. I didn't intend those words to all start with L's. Sorry for the cheesiness. I miss you Korea, oh so much.  I realize I have so much to be thankful for, and this list doesn't begin to make a dent in the blessings that have been bestowed on me, but it's a start. I won't be with my family on Thanksgiving this year, I'll be in Seattle for a friend's wedding, but I'm thankful for the little surrogate family I'll be celebrating with!  I hope that you are able to realize the abundant blessings that you have, not only this week, but throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving friends!