Happy Thanksgiving!
As I get older, I've learned to love thanksgiving over other holidays. A day where we gather with our loved ones and focus on what we are thankful for. Food and love, who doesn't want that?
This time last year, my mom had recovered enough to visit our new apartment for Thanksgiving. I was so excited for my mom to see our tiny new place, which we quickly moved out of two months later. Chris and I killed ourselves to organize our new apartment as much as we could for her visit. I ordered a four person turkey dinner from Whole Foods. My brother picked up my mom from her nursing home and drove her up to visit us. It was the best Thanksgiving I had.
Remember The Good Moments
We didn't have a dining table. My mom thought we were having ham and wanted dark meat, which we didn't order. While the food was mediocre, our home was tiny and cramped, it was the best Thanksgiving I'd had in awhile. Because I knew how precious each day I had with my mom was and I was grateful for one more holiday with her. Things were looking good again. Soon after this dinner, my mom got very sick and passed away. But I had this one last holiday with her and I am so thankful for that moment. I will forever remember the day. It was hot and sunny. We walked to 85 degrees to buy pastries. We all cramped around our coffee table and ate the worse turkey dinner I'd ever had.
Choice
As the holidays approach, I was filled with fear, anxiety, and grief. I am still grieving, but today I choose to focus on the good. My mom would want that for us. Am I sad she's gone? FUCK YES! Do I want to be angry and avoid everyone? Yes, at times I do. It seems like a constant battle inside at times and honestly sometimes I loose. The world is filled with so much anger, hate, and grief. Today, I choose to be thankful for all I do have and encourage you to do the same.
Let's Have A Happy Thanksgiving
Therefor in an effort to focus on all there is to be thankful for this year, I want to share 5 things I'm thankful for in honor of Thanksgiving 2017. My hope is that this post inspires you to share with me, your loved ones, and/or just yourself what you are thankful for this thanksgiving.
- My Family
Without my brother and sister, I'm not sure I could have survived the last year and 1/2. Siblings are the only ones who know everything about you inside and out. Chris, my husband who is probably the best husband ever and the only man and partner for me. I'm thankful to have them around and to be able to spend Thanksgiving together.
2. Good Friends
I have a handful of good friends. The ones who truly get me, allow me to be myself with no judgment. These are the friends that have been around for 10+ years.
3. A Job I Love
To be able to get up everyday to do a job I am passionate about and love is more than I ever dreamed of having and I am so thankful to be able to do this full time.
4. A Home
As stressful as it is to live in L.A. and pay way too much for rent, I am thankful for our home. I am thankful for the space we are able to rent.
5. YOU!
I am so thankful for you and this community that you are apart of. It is because of you that I am able to continue to create content full time. So I hope you have a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING this year!
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
Your Turn!
Now it's your turn. Share what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving in the comments below.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and stay tuned for my 12 Days Of Gifting series coming December 1st! Announcement video will be live on November 28th.
xoxo
Serein
Hi Serein, I’m so very thankful for my kids, family, and precious friends. It has been a very difficult year (divorce, skin cancer, bankruptcy), but I am so incredibly blessed. My family and friends have been so amazing and supportive. I just can’t imagine how bad it would have been without them. I’m thankful for your channel & blog, they have given me a lot of joy this year. They have given me fun things to think about when my real life gets too stressful. Thank you for all that you do!
Author
Hi Joselyn-
Thank you so much for sharing what you’re thankful for this year. You are so strong to be able to focus on the good during times of trouble and hardship. Many blessings to you and you family!
xoxo
Serein
Hi Serein…as I sit here writing this I am most thankful for life and family (My kids and grandkids). My oldest son’s friend was killed in a car accident 2 nights ago, and the shock and pain he is feeling hurts me to the bone…as sad as it is, his untimely death (24) is a reminder that we are not promised another day and it really helps put things into perspective. Waking up today, cooking a feast, and being able to sit down with my family and laugh ,talk, and share love is a great blessing ….Im also thankful for YOU Serein, I hope you realize how amazing you are and how your videos are not just informative, but watching them is also stress relieving ..i love what you say at the end of your videos…definitely helps me relax and take my mind off of my worries…I hope you and your family enjoy this day and every day. With love, Mona
Author
Mona, I am so sorry to hear about the young life lost. I’m also sorry your son and your family have to feel that loss. It is a miracle that we have the time we have and I’m grateful for moments that I can remember to appreciate the fact that we are alive to live another day. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you were able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family despite the tragedy.
xoxo
Serein
I’m forever thankful for my family, the ones that were given to me and those friends who have become family.
I’m thankful for the the roof over my head, the food on the table, and the ability to afford the necessities and then some.
I’m thankful for all those few times this year where I’ve actually had time to look up and appreciate the moment (it’s amazing how little time we have away from screens).
<3
Author
Hi Leddy!
I’m so happy to read your list. It’s so amazing to just take a day off and be with our loved ones. We are both blessed to have people we love and who love us back. Hope you and your family had an amazing Thanksgiving.
xoxo
Serein
Your sweater dress and booties are super cool. You look stunning!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Author
Thank you
Hi Serein,
These are the things I am Thankful for.
-life, I have systemic Lupus. When I was 25 yrs old, I was told I would love about 10 more years. On the 19th I turned 53.
-my amazing husband – he knows me better than most, he is my best friend, he helps my life to be a lot easier.
– My parents- I love them dearly & am grateful for another holiday with them.
There are more things in grateful for but, it’s too much to write here.
Happy Thanksgiving Serein, Chris & family 💗
Author
Hi Debbie! You are so incredibly inspiring! Thank you for your continued support and for always being so open here. I hope you had an amazing holiday and look forward to all the festivities this season with you!
xoxo
Serein