The rose colored glasses of the OG “Thanksgiving” came off for me this year as I learned about National Mourning Day… so I’m today I’m saying “Happy Gratitude Day” instead of t-giv cause… history.
Nonetheless, this day is one of my favorites because I love gratitude. I love thanking people and I love being thanked. Writing thank you cards is one of my spiritual gifts and receiving thank you cards is one of my love languages. You get the picture. So, I thought what better way to celebrate with all of you than with a list of the 10 things I’m grateful for this year.
#10: Friends
I am starting the year with more friends than I had at the start of the year..and that feels really good. I have girlfriends of all ages that I can connect with on a whole swath of topics: from art, to food, to business, to careers, to workouts and running, to yoga, to faith and spirituality, to memories and dreaming about the future. I’ve watched my friends have some major accomplishments this year like well-deserved promotions, ending relationships that no longer work or finding or marrying their other half. I’m especially thankful for my bestie Sara who had her first baby, little sweet London Claire, and she approaches this new life and being a working mom with ease and grace.
#9: Partnerships
I think sometimes leaders are portrayed as individuals but I believe the strongest leaders work through and with others. I’m so happy to have Bridget Sigette on the Everme train and for the work we are doing with Everme Events and our women’s retreat in January. Thank you Bridget for being a light in my life!
#8: Gustavus Adolphus College
Ah, the most expensive gift that truly keeps on giving. I resigned from the Gustavus Women in Leadership National Advisory Board after 9 years. I basically grew up on this board. From a young college student to an almost 30 year old woman, that board greatly shaped my twenties. I stayed away from my college connection for all of 3 months before applying to join the Gustavus Recent Alumni board. I can’t wait to engage with that group. While I wish I wasn’t still paying for school, I’m thankful to have attended a college that continues to fit my life all these years later.
#7: My Employer
Ok, this is kind of a trick one since technically I’m my own employer BUT I also work for a really awesome company called Allianz. My work at Allianz allows me the resources to do my deepest and most purposeful work and for that I am so grateful.
#6: Health
This time last year I was facing a myriad of health issues like digestion and skin issues. Those are in the past and I’m so grateful to have an able body and no major health issues. I’m also extremely grateful to have a partner like Dane who values well-being and resiliency as much as I do. OH! I’m also very thankful to have taken this year off of running. I didn’t train for a race all year and I feel healthier and stronger than ever. I’m also very ready to get the running shoes back on in 2020!
#5: Yoga
I still crack myself up that I literally used to hate yoga. Now you can find me in the studio 4-5 times per week. I completed my 200-hr yoga teacher certification and that has opened some really cool doors for me. I’m thankful for all the “omies” and teachers along the way who have helped foster my love of yoga and my yoga practice. Thank you yoga for giving me something I can practice and not be perfect.
#4: Strong Female Role Models
I find myself in awe almost every day. Women are the wildest forces of nature and I’m so proud to be a woman, to be surrounded by strong women, to have been raised by a strong woman (and man, hi dad) and to do work that lifts other women up. Every book I read, podcast I listen to or research I delve into inspires me to keep going and keep challenging the “state of the women's union”.
#3: Family
It seems like every year something about our family is changing. We welcomed my sweet niece Cora this year, my brother-in-law graduated college and my dad retired from 3M. I’m thankful to have a happy and healthy family that I can rely on. All families have their issues and I’m just really thankful for the crew I ended up with. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a special shout out to my sisters who went through yoga teacher training with me. What a special experience for all of us.
#2: My sister Mariah
Speaking of sisters, I am so thankful for my “little” sister. I don’t think I’ll ever stop calling her that. I’ve watched her grow exponentially this year. She is so courageous, brilliant, creative, smat and such an inspiration for me. She is a force to be reckoned with and I’m so grateful to have her in my life. She’s one of those people selflessly does a lot for other people and I don’t know if she always gets the recognition she deserves. Mariah, your love, support and friendship does not go unnoticed. I thank God everyday for making me your big sister!
#1: Dane
I often wonder what my 8 year old self would think about Dane. I think she’d be super impressed by him and immediately love everything about him. I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about my future husband as a little girl. I was nose deep in book after book that I didn’t really pay much attention to that like maybe other little girls did. Every day Dane reminds me of how lucky I am to have him as a partner. Without fail or hesitation, he sees me as the independent woman that I am and does whatever he can to support me. I’ve also watched him grow this year and just when I didn’t think he could get any more perfect for me, there he goes proving me wrong. Dane, you are my perfect match and I am SO thankful for you. You and Pico light up my life in the most miraculous of ways.
Happy Gratitude Day everyone!
Love,
Kelsey