In the midst of our struggles to escape the rat race, or while we are complaining about how miserable our nine to five prisons are, we sometimes forget to take a step back and appreciate all the things we have to be thankful for.  I know I’m guilty of it. So today, instead of writing about finance and how it affects our lives, I’m going to write about all the things I’m thankful for. And amazingly, there are so many things in my life that I should be thankful for, I probably won’t be able to address them all in this one post.  That’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

Things to be Thankful For

My Upbringing and family

I’ve written a few posts about my upbringing already- I talked about my lower middle-class background and what my mom taught me about finance. I don’t know if I mentioned it in either of those two posts, but I am incredibly thankful for my upbringing. My parents didn’t have much, but they always had our best interests at heart and did everything they could to make sure we were taken care of. My father drilled the fact that I was going to college into my head for as long as I could remember.

I recognize that there are millions of kids who didn’t have parents who cared that much. There are millions of kids whose parents worked so much just to provide their basic needs that they didn’t have time to offer the kind of support that I got. There are also a bunch of kids who grew up wealthy, and didn’t have to work to succeed. Although that would have been nice, I’m glad that my parents instilled a strong work ethic into me.

I’m not just thankful for my parents though. I have two awesome siblings, and a pretty fantastic extended family. We may not be able to see each other often, but when we get together it’s like no time has passed. It’s amazing.

My Job

I may not like my job, but I am thankful to have it. It pays well, it is slightly related to my college major, and the hours are good. I also have a fair amount of autonomy when it comes to how to run my section. And let’s be honest, having this job is what put me on the path towards financial independence in the first place. I know that there are tons of bloggers on the path with lower incomes, and I just don’t know how they do it. They are freaking super stars! I’m not sure I would have had the willpower if I didn’t make what I do. So although I complain about it on occasion, I really am thankful to have it.

My Honey Bunny

I know first hand what it’s like to be in an emotionally abusive relationship, and that makes me even more thankful to finally be with a person who loves, supports, and appreciates me. Our relationship isn’t perfect (what relationship is?) and unfortunately, he really sucks with money, but I’ve never been with someone who makes me feel so loved and supported. And he’s learning to be better with money! He’s even willing to discuss all his money issues on our awesome podcast. It’s so amazing to have a partner who actually wants to help me with my projects. He’s the best.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone who is struggling with an abusive partner it would be this: Leave. Life is short, and it can be so much better. I know how hard it is to leave, I really do. But it’s worth it. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life, and most of it is due to his support.

My Health

I’m very thankful that I’ve been blessed with good health. I’ve had a few minor problems, but nothing that would prevent me from working or perusing my dreams. I know that lots of people are able to excel while dealing with physical or mental ailments, and that just makes things a little harder. I’m fortunate that I haven’t had to deal with those things.

My Friends

Family doesn’t end in blood (Supernatural!), and I have some awesome friends who prove that. I have so many amazing people in my life that I know I will be ok no matter what happens. I have people that I can reach out to if I’m struggling, and you don’t really realize how important that is until you need it. My friends have helped me through tough patches and have been there to celebrate my wins with me. I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I didn’t have them in my life, and I’m thankful for each and every one of them, even if I don’t get to see them that often.

So Many Things

There are so many things to be thankful for, it’s impossible to list them all in one blog post. I hit on the biggest ones, but there are so many little things that I’m thankful for every day. I’m thankful for the food I can go buy at the grocery store, I’m thankful that I can safely drive through my country, I’m thankful for the opportunities available in my country, and I’m thankful for the internet.

Thanksgiving generally is the day that we pause to think about all these things, but lets try to be thankful for these big and little things every day. We all do have a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What are you thankful for?