“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things.” –Tony Bennett

As the holiday season is coming to an end, I realized that I have rarely posted about the things that I am not only thankful for but eternally grateful for. As Tony Bennett once said, “I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so sad.” This is also true with the things that I am thankful for. I just want to say thank you to the things and people that make me smile more and cry less.

Thank you to those who have accepted me for who I am,

Without your immense amounts of love, I would not feel comfortable being myself. I would not have the courage to stand up against people who try to knock me down. I would not have the confidence to go about my day without feeling judged. Without the incredible amount of acceptance I have received, I would not be who I am today and for that I can never repay each and every single one of you.

Thank you to those who have believed in me,

This year has given me so many incredible opportunities that I would not have succeeded in if people had not believed in me. You have pushed me, helped me, and believed in me so that I could achieve greatness in whatever I set my mind to. Without that pure belief in my skills and self, I would not have succeeded in my leadership positions or any other opportunity thrown my way.

Thank you my sisters,

As corny as it sounds, you are my home away from home. I have found my best friends, confidants, brides maids, and family because of my sorority. Without each and every sister, I would not be the woman I am today. I would not have the courage, strength, knowledge, and persistence to help me through life.

Thank you to my best friends,

I can’t put into words what you all have done for me. I am the luckiest woman alive.

Thank you to the people who danced alongside me,

Every single one of you pushed me to do and be better. I refound my passion for something that I thought had to disappear once I left for college. But you all helped me realize, that I can still dance and still love being on stage even if I am not dancing at a studio.

Thank you to my parents,

I know I don’t call as often as I should but I love you more than words can describe. I am who I am because of you. You raised me to be respectful but stand up for myself, intelligent but humble, proud but have humility. You are the best parents I could ever ask for.

Thank you to the one,

I am thankful for you every day of my life and I cannot wait to continue that.

Thank you to everyone who I have met this year,

Each and every individual I have met has impacted me in some way, whether that be negative or positive. I am proud of who I am and it is because of you.

While Christmas is right around the corner, I want people to remember to not only be thankful for them on thanksgiving but always because I most certainly am. You deserved to be recognized and I know that this article doesn’t do any of you justice but I hope one day I can show you how much you all mean to me.

You all are a few of my favorite things.