As Thanksgiving is approaching, I think it is important to stop for a minute and really consider what I have to be thankful for in my life. This is something that we should think about everyday but tend to ignore. We usually are sweating the small stuff rather than taking a look at the bigger picture. So take a moment to find what you have to be thankful for in your life.

I am thankful for where I am in my life today. This time last year I was in a very different place than I am now and I am beyond thankful to have moved past that stage of my life. It is so nice to finally say that I am happy, and I can see all the positive things life has to offer.

I am thankful for friends old and new. Whether you were my friend since kindergarden, or if we didn't meet till college just know that I am thankful for you. You are one of the reasons I can walk around with a smile on my face. You give me love, confidence, and assure me that life goes on. I know I don't express my feelings often but just know that you have made my life such a better place.

I am thankful for my education. If I am being honest, I have never been much of a school person. However, getting the chance to further my education was a blessing I never thought I would appreciate as much as I do now.

I am thankful for my grandparents. I feel blessed to still have most of my grandparents still alive and so involved in my life. They are some of the people who have shaped me the most and taught me how to live life with purpose.

I am thankful for my Mom. She embodies the definition of a strong independent woman. She has worked her whole life to get where she is in her career and has not let anything ever stop her. Despite all the adversities she has faced she still charges on, never losing sight of her goals.

I am thankful for my Dad. My best friend since birth. My number one supporter. My rock. My Dad makes sure that I never lose sight of my dreams and allows me to realize that I am capable of great things.

I am thankful for my Sister. She is another great example of a strong independent woman and I hope I can follow in her footsteps. She has been one of the only constants in my life and I am so glad God gave me her to do life with.

I am thankful for Odyssey. Writing for Odyssey has allowed me to heal in so many ways. I am not very expressive when it comes to how I am feeling but Odyssey has allowed me to express myself in a way I never saw coming. Odyssey came into my life when I needed it the most and I can't be more thankful for that.

I am alive, breathing, and taking everything day by day I don't think there is much more I could be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, remember to tell your families how much you love them!