If you’ve been following me on social media this week, I’ve been sharing things I’m grateful for in my stories. The items on my list range from the profound (church) to the mundane (flannel sheets)... but each item brings me joy. In these difficult and tumultuous times, I’ve come to realize that without pausing to notice these moments of happiness, I’d be lost. We’d be lost.

So today for my blog post I’m listing 8 things I’m thankful for… in true word nerd fashion, via the form of an acrostic poem. Go ahead and read my entries and then try to complete the activity on your own. Maybe my ideas and experiences will spark some reminders of the goodness in your life. (At least, that is my hope.)

For further reading on gratitude and thanksgiving, check out my past holiday posts revolving on the same topics. They are listed below.

T

Time

The times in which I have to complete the tasks of my life are VERY flexible. Sure, I likely work 50 hours a week, but other than the 12 hours I’m required to be on campus, I get to pick when things get done. For the most part I can exercise, shower, do household chores, schedule appointments and run carpool… and still uphold/progress my writing career. Yes it sometimes requires early mornings and working on the weekends, but like my momma always says, “you can if you plan”. I am grateful that I get to be in charge of my plan and have the flexibility to be available for my family, personal goals and self care. This is such a gift and one that I am thankful for on a daily basis.

H

Habits

I’m grateful for the habits I’ve built into my life. Whether it’s working out or maintaining structured work hours or tv show rituals with my husband or time for family games, these planned events in my life bring me peace and joy (and also a lot of productivity)... all of which I am grateful for.

A

Avenues

I am thankful for the multiple avenues I have in reaching people with my stories, resources, and knowledge. Really, this piece of gratitude is giving thanks for the advances in technology that allow me to connect with anyone in the world via paper and ink, an email, a video or a call. AND, gasp, this isn’t counting my favorite way of all to connect with other humans… meeting in person. I am grateful for all the ways in which I can share (and receive!) words and ideas.

N

Nerds

I am grateful for nerds. For the passion they bring to life. Sure, word nerds are my favorite, but really I’m thankful for anyone who devotes their time and energy enthusiastically to a passion project and even more grateful when they share their enthusiasm for their nerdom with the world. Nerds make the word more fun and interesting and likely better and more efficient to boot. Hooray for nerds.

K

Kids

My kids are fantastic. They have big hearts, are kind humans and still love hanging out with their parents. They love playing outside, are creative and get excited about the simple pleasures in life. Most of all, they lean into their own unique qualities that make them individuals without too much thought or care to what others think. I love all of these things about them and hope we can help them hang onto these qualities as long as possible.

F

Full Hearts

Last Christmas I bought my sister a wall decor canvas that said, “If you think our hands are full, you should see our hearts.” It is very true for them and the four children (ages 5 and under) that they are raising. It is true for me too. Outside looking in, you might think that the chaos of a full house or full calendar (for the holidays or on any random day of the week) might be overwhelming. And at times, it does feel that way. But even fuller than my planner or my car or the kitchen on Thanksgiving, is my heart.

U

Unwavering Support

My husband and parents are a rockstars. Like legit, I can ALWAYS count on them. Life has thrown us (like so many, many others) some curveballs this past year and throughout it all, they are there for me. This is especially true for my own personal authorpreneur rollercoaster and the ever shifting landscape of “what is possible”. But I know no matter what I’d need, these three humans will be by my side, offering all they have, no questions asked. I am beyond grateful for them and their support.

L

Lounging

As you may have been able to tell from the previous items on this list, my family leads a busy life. But on the weekends, we do A LOT of lounging. Especially in the winter. It isn’t uncommon to put in a solid six hours on the couch on a Saturday or Sunday… or both. Especially in the winter. I know that some people bemoan the cold temperatures and short daylight hours the Midwest has to offer this time of year, but personally, it is my time to recharge. I am thankful mother nature gives us the permission to stay home and stay inside. I am grateful for the periods of rest winter weekends provide me and my family. I truly believe it is how we are able to make it through the rest of the week. I am grateful for lounging.

Alright. These are my 8 things. What about you? What are you grateful for? Toss out an entry in the comments so we can all celebrate and give thanks together. If you’d like to begin a gratitude practice, check out these amazing journals from my fellow entrepreneur friend, Andrea.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Amanda

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy…

Grateful: A Writer’s List Gratitude: A Poem Thanksgiving Trivia!

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