November.

The time of year where Social Media gets taken over by posts about "Today I am thankful for..." and pictures of those who to whom you give thanks.

As a general rule, I believe that we each have lots to be thankful for, every day throughout the year. Even in the storms, there is still a light.

On this day, however, I am here to jump on that bandwagon and share what I am thankful for.

1. Freedom.

Before coming out, I always felt this heaviness that just weighed me down everywhere I went, from the moment of coming out, that weight literally lifted from my shoulders and I felt the true sense of being free. It saddens me that so many have felt that they need to go back into the closet, after this past election, I know I myself, do not want to go back to that place; therefore I have prepared myself to stand up and join hands with my fellow LGBTQ+ family members and fight for our community.

2. Education.

While yes, I am thankful for the education that I endured while in school; today I am thankful for the opportunity to learn new things every day. You see, there are a lot of things that you don't learn in school that you find that you really need on a day to day basis, or there are false aspects of school that you are taught that you learn were very wrong from the wrong perspective.

3. Family.

Each member of my family has played a huge part in my life, from my Grandmother to my youngest child; I would be lost if I didn't have to chance to have each of these people in my life. Yes, I am even thankful to those who disowned me, during that time I was able to grow and do things for myself and during that time I am extremely thankful for my Partner who was there every step of the way.

4. Social Media.

Let's face it, Social Media played a HUGE role in our lives; whether it is to play the latest and greatest game or quiz, keeping up with those who you don't see every day, or if you are just in it to be a Nosey Nancy. Regardless, we would be so lost if we didn't have ways to be in the know. I know I love seeing Positive Posts that people share and supporting my friends who are in need of someone to talk to. As a stay at home mom who doesn't get out much, it is nice to have that aspect.

5. Love.

I know, this seems pretty "meh" in terms of being thankful, however, I am thankful that after everything that I have endured in life, that I was finally able to be given the opportunity to find out what true love is. The thing is, I know a lot of people who have been through some of the same things I have, and it changes you and your perspective, you start thinking that you aren't able to feel and understand love and that you only deserve crap. This isn't true! You deserve so much!

Granted, I am thankful for so many things, that we would be here for quite awhile. Remember to take the time to be thankful for at least one thing every day, and not just during the time of Thanksgiving.