I spend much of my time writing on controversial topics and things that anger me. This week I want to take a few minutes and unwind. I want to thank those who have stuck around.

Thank you friends and family who respect my opinions, consider them, and stick around even if we ultimately disagree.

Thank you to those who have listened to me complain about my clumsy, bad from the start week. Thank you for not brushing it off and telling me to stop complaining, but instead, reminding me that it gets better from here.

Thank you, nurse, for calling me back right away to help me battle my baby’s flu #2 of the season, and for being patient with all of my questions.

Thank you, Dad for being there when I needed a chat and offering to help me even though you’re 1200 miles away. Thank you for calling me when I’ve been quiet and secluded for days, just to make sure I’m alright.

Thank you, Mom for answering all of my calls and calming my new-mom worries, even if it’s four times a day. Thank you for texting me every day when you know I’m alone.

Thank you, friends, though your numbers are small, the few of you are great. Thank you for laughing at my random thoughts, encouraging, and debating politics and religion. Your company means more than you know.

Thank you, my wonderful babysitter. As I have written before, you are much more than that. Thank you for being a solid and present person in my daughter’s life, even when you’re on vacation. Thank you for being patient with me as I learn and grow as a Mom.

Thank you, Grandma for being someone I have always been able to lean on, no matter what time of day.

Thank you, Husband. You are half a world away and still make sure I get a good morning and goodnight text every day. Our schedules are almost opposite, yet you haven’t let a day pass without telling me that you love me. Those messages keep me going.

Thank you, daughter, for making me laugh everyday. You show me that I can love in ways I didn’t know possible, even when you’ve puked all over everything and nearly strangled the cat. Thank you for insisting on three stories, a million kisses, and a hug for your bear for bedtime every single night.

Thank you to the professors who show up everyday, despite the utter and ridiculous disrespect from some of your students (I’m talking about you, Bio lecture hall).

Thank you random passerby’s who smile and wave when I’m on my run.

Thank you neighbors for always being so friendly.

Thank you cashiers for being genuinely nice and smiling. It may not always be real, but it really changes the mood of some people on rough days.

This world focuses too heavily on negativity. I just want to take these few minutes to thank those who may not think they are making a difference. Take today to thank someone for something that keeps you going.