Thanksgiving is just around the corner and this holidays sparks a sense in everyone to think about what they are thankful for. Sometimes these things don't stand out as much during the rest of the year, but I want to make certain the things I am always grateful for and might just not mention it so much. Everything so far in my life has influenced me to become the person I am today, so it is a must to be thankful for all those factors, right? I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for special people and their special actions in my life.

1. Parents

Of course my parents come first, they gave me life!! Without your parents, where would you be today? Not on earth thats for sure! You two have given me the chance to become the best person i can possibly be. You give me a roof over my head, you feed me (sometimes more than I need to be fed but who is complaining there!), you make sure I have fun experiences all the time, you give me freedom when I need it and restrictions when I need them, you have pushed me to be a better me, and most importantly you have loved me through thick and thin. I am a teenager and I make mistakes, but there is nobody in my life that will 100% always see through the flaws and love me still in the end besides you guys. Thank you for all that you do for me, you may think I take it all for granted but I never been more thankful and blessed to have a mom and dad like you guys.

2. Siblings..

Yes, DOTS!! Having a sibling is an extreme roller coaster of emotions. One minute you love each other, the next you are fighting over clothes/makeup/electronics/etc.. But, in the end, you'll be my favorite pain in the ass on this planet! Even when we think we are running out of "people", we will always have each other in the end. Growing up, we thought we would hate each other for life, but I am so happy to see you grow. I can't wait see what you become in the future and I will be there every step of the way. I'm thankful that mom and dad brought you into the world too. Without you, who would I pick on every other day?

3. Past/Present/Future Friends

We all have those friends we used to hangout with every single day and now you barely say a word to each other. We have met new people on the way and we have lost people on the way. We will all continue to make new friends, but its the friends that stick with you through it all that mean the most. When you start a new chapter in your life, its not wrong to leave some people in the last chapter and find new people in the next. That is how life is supposed to go. We change the people around us for a reason. As we grow up, we become new people so it makes sense that we should find more suitable companions to carry on our experiences with. Thank you to the people that have left me in the past, you formed me into a better me. Thank you to the people I have just met, you make my life more comforting and enjoyable. I hope you chose to continue this long journey with me. And thank you to the friends I will make in the future, I can not wait to experience such crazy times with crazy new people. You all have created this crazy life of mine and I'm forever grateful to you all. Friends are important, and the friendships you make in the future are the ones to look forward to the most.

4. Family Family Family

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for you family, friends and PETS of COURSE!! My family has been there every step of the way. They have watched me grow up from diapers to college so far. My grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, hold such a special spot in my heart. Without their push and enthusiasm, I don't think I would've mustered up the motivation to push myself or challenge myself without all your help. You all mean so much to me, and I so grateful to have such a close, connect family as I do today. I would go crazy without the smart remarks made by my cousins on a daily basis. It's crazy how much family can influence your life and I can't be thankful enough for the family that has been created around me.

5. Significant Other(s) .. Past and Present

I never regret a single decision I have made in the past. It is the climb of relationships that has made me a stronger, more focused person. To the past, thank you for cherishing me. Thank you for making me who I am today. At one point, we were meant to be but things change and it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I hope for nothing but the best for you. You are such a strong person. What has happened to us has made us both stronger people and I know you will find such happiness in the future. You deserve nothing but the best. For the present, I have never been more thankful to find someone who understand be so much. A person whom I am so comfortable with and genuinely enjoy every minute we spend together. Life is roller coaster and I am glad you are on this ride with me now. Thank you for caring for me so much. The happiness I have created with you is unreal. I am thankful for the experiences of relationships so far in my life. None of them have been a negative, but a positive push in the direction of finding pure happiness. I am not the type of person to hate someone for leaving, I am thankful for the guidance I have been given by everyone. Each situation turns into a lesson, a lesson well learned. Everyone deserves to find happiness and I am thankful for the happiness you have given me. Forever grateful.

6. PETS!!

If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with animals. Especially, my puppies. My dogs have grown into our family. They are loved just as much as the rest of my family. My dogs have grown into my best friends and I would do anything to see them running around happy, all day/everyday. If you own a pet, you understand the connection. They are not just your animals you take care, they are family. I am thankful to have such happy puppies back home. They bring such happiness into our lives.

7. Athletics

Lastly, sports has had such an impact on my life. Growing up, my life revolved around sports every season of the year. Whether it was basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, cheer or anything else. I was busy, busy, busy with sports. Through the injuries, pain and fatigue, I still continued to love the sports I played. I am thankful that I have been able to continue my career into college athletics and expand my horizons even further. Whenever I was feeling upset, mad or just in a blah type of mood, any sport was able to flip my mood right back up. Thank you to my coaches, teammates and family for giving me the opportunities in all my athletics. It was kept me in shape, motivated and happy.

All these things have contributed into making me a self motivated, enthusiastic, determined, smart young women. I hope that all people feel as grateful for these things as I do. Without a single on of them, I would be lost. All these factors have made me who I am. I am more than thankful for everyone and everything in my life. I hope everyone remembers what they are thankful for during this holiday and it might just turn your point of view in a whole new perspective (for the better of course).