Blogmas Day 1 - Thankful

I’ve decided this year to take part in the blogging tradition of Blogmas. Shocking I’m sure, as many of you know that I live for the holiday season… to be over. But, I thought this might be a fun way to spend the month of December. Who knows, maybe it’ll get me into the ‘mas spirit? I’m still not sure what to post each day, but we’ll see how it goes.

For Day 1, I thought I’d share some reflections I’ve been having since Thanksgiving. If that’s not your thing, then come back tomorrow for a different flavor. But for those who are interested, have a read and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Happy Blogmas, everyone! Write on!

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I’m 17 days away from my 26th birthday. Which means in 17 days, I’ll have traveled completely around the sun 26 times.

When I was a little girl, I heard the song Trip Around The Sun by Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride and it changed my entire perspective on life. For years, I signed every birthday card I would sign with “congratulations on making it another trip around the sun” because I truly believe it’s an accomplishment to be celebrated. No day, month, or year is a guarantee, so we should always be humbled by each rotation around that we complete.

This year - my 25th - has been a very reflective one. I’ve learned more about myself past, present, and future than in any other. I cried on my 25th birthday, perhaps I could sense that 24 was my last year of being young and free. Maybe I could tell that 25 would definitely throw me for my share of loops. In many ways, 24 was the end of an era for me. The end of easy. Things have only and will only get harder from here.

This past Thursday was Thanksgiving. A day to spend with loved ones and eat your weight in carbs. A day of celebration. A day of thanks. A day that always get me thinking.

I spent much of 25 in tears - lonely tears, stress tears, missing my mom and dad and best friend in the world tears. I spent so many days wishing things would be different - wishing that my BFF lived closer, wishing I didn’t have so many adult responsibilities, wishing I had more time with my boyfriend because he works so much. I felt myself, many times, get caught up in missing my old life - college, traveling, being carefree - and while applicable at the time, looking back now, that’s not a healthy way to be.

Things will rarely go the way you expect in life. But that brings me back to my statement earlier about celebrating just getting through another year… I think that’s the true meaning of birthdays, if you ask me. Celebrating that the person you care about SURVIVED yet another year of stress, danger, hurt, loneliness, suffering, and sadness is still around to take on yet another. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, a day of similar celebration and appreciation of the things in life that we have, rather on the things that I wish I could change, I thought I’d share a list of 26 - one for every year I’ve been alive - of things I’m truly THANKFUL for. This a list of things I’ve accumulated in the last 26 years that I am absolutely grateful to call mine.

Even though the designated day for this was this past week, I encourage you to do something similar. Because, did you really take time to think about what you have to be appreciative of during your feast and family time during Thanksgiving? And even if you did, it never hurts to have gratitude in this life.

So, with that being said, here is my list of 26 that I thank the universe for today… and every day.

1. My health - I know this one isn’t uncommon, but in my case it’s 💯 sincere. My dad battled and conquered cancer and I’ve never even had the flu. I catch colds and ear infections like it’s my job, but in general, especially for as poorly as I’ve always treated my body, I definitely have my health to be thankful for.

2. Good music - A good song can change everything. I listen to music nearly all day every day now and I’m so glad I found my love for music once again. There’s a song for every mood and occasion and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the things a song has helped me through.

3. My time in Scotland - I have never grown more as a person than I did when I was away. My time in Scotland changed me in many ways and gave me so many of the things I hold dear today - from hilarious TV shows to precious memories, Scotland will always be my favorite place on earth.

4. Ethan - My partner in life. We have our differences and challenges, but there’s no one I’d rather build a life with than you. Thank you for every adventure past and future. You are the center of my whole world and I hope you always know how special you are to me.

5. My plants and pets - As I said earlier, Ethan works a lot and I’m often home alone, but thanks to all the life around the apartment, I feel much more at home. I love having living things to tend to - it really brightens my day to see them all thrive.

6. Traveling - Visiting new and exciting places gives me life. I can’t get enough and I couldn’t be more grateful for Ethan, Nicole, and everyone else I’ve gotten to see this world with. Here’s to many more adventures down the road!

7. My best friend - Nicole, I love you with all my heart. I owe so many of my wonderful memories to you. I miss you each day and always look forward to the next time I get to laugh with you. You are the best friend a girl could ask for. Today and always, I’m so grateful for you.

8. Netflix and Spotify - Seriously, where would I be without them both? I can’t image a day in my life without either of them. Thank you for always keeping me calm and entertained.

9. My education - All 5 of the universities that I studied at brought something special to my life today. I cherish my time exploring and growing on each campus that taught me so much. I think back fondly to my time at each and every one constantly. Thank you to The University of Maine, Roger Williams University, The University of Edinburgh, Strathclyde University and Pablo de Olavide University for enriching my life forever. Those were 5 years I will absolutely never regret or forget.

10. Donuts, cheesecake, and cinnamon rolls - Don’t laugh. I have the biggest sweet tooth of any person I know. I thank the universe each day for the gift of sugar and sugary goodness. I crave donuts like some people crave cigarettes and sex. Sugar makes me happy and for that, I am eternally grateful.

11. Technology (my gadgets) - Call me a millennial, but I love my MacBook Pro, iPhone 11, iPad Pro, Apple Watch, iPod Classic, Google Homes, and Nikon DSLR camera. They keep me entertained and make it easier for me to live my life. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I couldn’t live without them like some would, but I would be sad if they were all gone tomorrow. So, thank you to Apple and the rest of the tech folks out there for creating such addicting and enjoyable products!

12. My job - They say that if you’re lucky enough to find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, I don’t totally agree with that because I still work my tail off at my job, but I do absolutely love my company and what I do. I am truly grateful for the way this job saved me from the horrible place I was in before. My days are so much more happily well-spent now, all thanks to my co-workers and my company.

13. My eyesight - Raising an eyebrow? Don’t. Think about all the beauty and wonder those of us who can see have the ability to experience each day that someone with little to no sight would miss out on. Color, vistas, skylines, stars… I think I’ve made my point.

14. My parents - I love you both so much and miss you every day. I’m truly grateful for all you’ve done for me over the last 26 years. I know raising me wasn’t easy, but you always did the best you could and I wouldn’t trade you for anyone.

15. Nando’s - Laugh all you want, but Nando’s would be my last meal, if I had to choose one. I love their sauce to my core. I am so grateful that it exists and is only a few hours away from me - it’s like a little piece of my favorite place close to home.

16. Cuddling and hugs - This might slightly go along with my friends and family as I’ve mentioned, but I am a very physically affectionate person and I love a good hug. So, next time you see me, feel free to come up and give me one, if you’d like - it’ll make my whole day. 😌

17. Bubble baths - My favorite way to relax, now and always. A long, hot bath with a gorgeous bath bomb and some candles can change my whole mood and make everything better. It’s the little things, right?

18. Sleep (especially naps) - I can’t think of anything that a good night’s rest or a nice nap won’t heal or fix. Sleep is such an important part of my life, and I’m not just saying that because I get so little of it most nights. I appreciate every hour of rest that my body gets and I think we should all take a second and appreciate having the ability to rest when we need it.

19. Coffee - People say this about a lot of things with exaggeration, but I mean every word when I say that I could not survive without coffee. The warm comfort and delicious aroma - not to mention the caffeine that gets me through my day… what’s not to love? I’m thankful, truly thankful, every day for coffee and unless a medical condition inhibits my addiction someday, I always will be.

20. The weekend (that Friday feeling) - I couldn’t get through my weeks if I didn’t have a weekend to look forward to. Plain and simple.

21. My Mini Mo - I literally cannot even begin to describe to you how much I love my little car and the community of Mini friends out there that we belong to. The amount of joy they both bring me can’t be measured. Mo is one of the happiest parts of my life, for sure. Love you, Mo! 🚗

22. Ice cold water - Both a necessity and a luxury. It’s important not to forget that many people still don’t have this most-basic thing. So, I’m reminding myself and you that next time you have a refreshing cold glass of water, be a little more grateful that you get to drink it.

23. This blog - Espresso-ing Myself on this blog for the last year has been such a pleasure. It’s so great having a place to write and express my thoughts and feelings. I love all of you out there who read and support me and I’m so grateful for all you do to help keep me going! *XOXO*

24. Autumn - The most wonderful time of year, if you ask me. The leaves, the smell in the air, the cozy sweaters, the specialty coffees at Starbucks… what’s not to love?

25. The Internet - Enough said.

26. Modern medicine - As a self-proclaimed hypochondriac, I’m forever grateful for modern medicine and all the wonderful advancements in technology out there to keep us all alive and healthy. Some people in my life wouldn’t even be here today without it, so thank you to all the doctors and scientists out there looking out for us.

That’s it for Blogmas Day 1, folks. Take a minute and think about all the wonderful things around you that you have to be grateful for that you might normally overlook this holiday season. Trust me, it feels good to be appreciative of the things in your life that matter. Feel free to leave me some of yours in the comments - I’d love to read them. ♥️

Sending love and holiday vibes to everyone! See you all tomorrow.

Write on!