25 Things I’m Thankful For

Today is my birthday! I am still having a hard time believing that I am finally 25. I was taking some time to reflect on my 24th year of life and “thankful” was a common trend. So, here are 25 things I’m thankful for right now on my 25th birthday-

1. My health

I am very grateful and very blessed to be alive and healthy. I thank God for waking me up first thing every morning and I do my absolute best not to take a single simple thing for granted.

2. My blog/influence

There are few things that are more rewarding for me than pursuing my passions and having a positive influence on someone’s life. I am so grateful that I am able to pursue this dream of mine and incredibly grateful for everyone who follows me, reads my posts, and reaches out to me telling me I have impacted them in some positive way. That’s what this is all about.

3. Love

I learned a lot about love this year. Check out this post to read my recent thoughts on love and relationships.

4. My city

Chicago hasn’t really felt like home for me in years. This year, I established roots, made new (& amazing) friends, taken up new hobbies, joined a workout studio I love, and learned to really love it here again.

5. My friends

This year has been an incredibly powerful one for me. I have branched out socially in ways I haven’t since college. I am so incredibly grateful for all of my friends, especially those who have made a big impact on me this year. Kiara, Jax, Nadine, Anne, Casey, Ashley, Ignacio, Meg, Laci, Rachel, Adri… Each of you know how much you mean to me and I am SO grateful for what our relationships have blossomed into this year. I truly could not have done it without you.

6. My photographer, Hannah

I would have to say that this relationship is unique in ways I haven’t had before. Yes, we work together. But our friendship goes so above and beyond business that it makes work feel like play. Hannah, thank you for capturing so many of my moments and knowing just how to always make me feel beautiful. Thank you for being my friend, (free) therapist, and side-kick. Thank you for ALWAYS having my back and for spending hours with and for me to ensure my blog and content are things I’m proud of. You honey, are irreplaceable in my life.

 

7. Sydney

If you follow me, you know my Syd Bear. Sydney has taught me more lessons than I think anyone in life ever has. My Bear, thank you for loving me so purely. Thank you for reminding me every day to smile at the little things. Thank you for making me smile when I’m down, for lots of hugs and endless “wuv you’s.” Thank you for teaching me patience.  You constantly test me and make me aware of myself, my actions and my words in ways no one else does. I love you forever, angel girl.

8. Barry’s Bootcamp

I hated working out a few months ago. My friends would have to damn near beg me to go to SoulCycle, Pilates, or for a run together. I now go to Barry’s almost 5 times a week every week. I have fallen in love with fitness in a way I never thought I would be able to again. I am thankful for the impact it has had on my body, my mind, and life. I have met people there I care for so genuinely, and even one who has served an incredibly important purpose in my learning and growing process. I love that place and can’t wait to see what the future holds together.

9. My travel experiences

I have spent so much time traveling in the past few years, I really wanted to stay put this year. With the exception of a few trips, I’ve stayed pretty local. I have grown to appreciate my travel experiences so much more while sitting still. Stay tuned for this year 😉

10. Warmer days ahead

Winter really isn’t good for my mental… I need a change and I’m grateful it’s coming.

11. Pain and disappointment

I can’t learn unless I grow and sometimes, growth is painful. I have grown more in the last 365 days than in any year-long period to date.

12. My faith

God has seen me through days that I truly didn’t know how I would get through. He is the only constant in my life and despite my flaws, he never fails me. I am proud to follow Jesus’ teachings and am blessed in so many ways.

 

13. My camera

I bought a camera around my birthday last year and I don’t think I would’ve fallen in love with my blog the way I have had I not. I enjoy walks around the city, capturing moments and places all by my lonesome. So relaxing and therapeutic for me.

14. Tea

Because it helps me get my energy up and kick start my day.

15. Wine

Because it ends it in the best and most enjoyable way.

16. Love

All kinds- God’s love, family love, friend love, love love. I love it all.

17. My newfound love for reading

I HATED reading as a kid! Now, I love it. Has helped expand my mind and thoughts I know I wouldn’t have been able to do in other ways.

18. My family

Mom, Dad, Kevin & Kaitlin… You all get on my everlasting nerve but my love for you runs so deep. Mom and Dad, thank you for giving me life, for supporting me, and for the values you’ve instilled in me. The older I get, the more I recognize how important they are. Kevin and Kaitlin, my lifelong friends, my forever babies, my left and right rib. Thank you for continuing to make memories with me as our relationships change, grow and evolve. Would give my last for either of you.

19. Riley

My dog, Riley, will be 15 in July. He is the true definition of unwavering love. As he grows older, I realize that his years are limited. I am so grateful to have grown up with an incredibly LOYAL and loving pet. The best Christmas gift I have ever and will ever receive.

20. All of YOU!

My blog is unsuccessful without your support. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me, and for enjoying this journey alongside me. You give me the motivation to blog and I am so, so thankful for each and every one of you.

21. My outgoing personality

I actually am quite shy! But, somehow, I’m very outgoing. I am grateful for this piece of my personality because it continuously allows me to meet new people, get to know and create relationships with people I encounter frequently, and allows me the ability to connect with even people online! I am always down for a get-to-know-you chat. Would love to have more with more of you this year.

22. Intuition

Because it never fails me. Never apologize for trusting your intuition- your brain can play tricks, your heart can blind, but your gut is always right. The more I trusted intuition, the more empowered I become, the stronger I became, and the happier I became.

23. Email!

Being able to instantly communicate with people (strangers even!) virtually anywhere in the world is pretty incredible! I have been in touch with almost every single company or brand that has collaborated with me this way. I’m still sometimes blown away by how much we can do online.

24. My daily routine

While it is ever-changing and hardly ever feels routine, somehow, it is. It gives you energy, pleasure, and the feeling that you use your time for the things that are important to you is priceless.

25. Music

It relaxes me, helps me through hard times, lifts me higher in good times, and puts a voice and words to my thoughts and heart.

BONUS

26. To be blessed in so many big and small ways, as to be able to take all of the above for granted on a regular basis.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking time to read this and for being a part of my 24th year of life. I have very high hopes for 25 both personally and for my blog. I hope to be able to continue this journey in a much bigger way. Here’s to 25!

xx,

Kelly