To celebrate Thanksgiving, I wanted to continue my tradition of giving thanks here on Dream in Lace.
As I sit here, watching the clock wind down to Thanksgiving Day – I can’t help but reflect on the things I’m most thankful for this year. You may recall, last year I shared a list of six things I was thankful for in 2015. While it had been a very difficult and painful year, I found peace in knowing I still had great blessings in my life and was glad to give thanks.
2016 has been such a crazy year, hasn’t it? It seems like this is the year we all turned on each other and forgot things like kindness, decency and respect. And yet, while it’s been a very trying year, it’s also had a lot of positives. Here are a few things I’m thankful for this year!
My 5th Back Surgery
The first week of January, I had my 5th back surgery. It’s totally crazy to me that I’ve had one, two, three, four and five back surgeries…and yet, if I look in the mirror at my back – I know it’s true. When I went in for that surgery, it was a last ditch attempt at relieving me of chronic pain. In 2010, my battle with chronic pain began and it was a frustrating journey filled with many disappointments, failed surgeries and unanswered questions. After such a difficult road, I knew not to get my hopes up too much that the 5th surgery would be a miracle – and yet, I was optimistic I finally got to the right doctor with the right solution.
Guess what? It worked!
Sure, I’ll have to deal with bouts of pain indefinitely – but that chronic, burning, mind-numbing pain that I faced every single minute of every single day has been relieved. Definitely the biggest blessing of all this year!
New Opportunities
Freedom from never-ending pain definitely afforded me the opportunity to chase my dreams even more. This year, I’ve had the pleasure of coordinating with so many lovely people and brands in developing great content here on Dream in Lace. I also was able to enjoy a whirlwind trip to New York Fashion Week, that was basically the trip of my dreams. Before, my pain limited my abilities and I was constantly heading in to or recovering from surgeries that made such a trip more difficult. In September, I was beyond THRILLED to have that chapter behind me and really enjoy myself in NYC, say YES to invites rather than politely declining, and be in the heart of an industry I so love.
100% Vegan Hippie
Early in 2016, I transitioned from a vegetarian to a vegan lifestyle and it has truly been the most rewarding decision of the year. I’ve learned so much about the devastating effects the meat industry has on our environment and health. I’ve enjoyed the process of becoming a more informed individual and committing 100% to my personal health. What makes this decision a true blessing though? All of the amazing people that I have connected with this year through becoming vegan! Through sharing recipes, tips and just chatting about life in general – I’ve been introduced to a welcoming community of people who genuinely just care. Oh, it’s also been pretty tasty. I mean, yes. (Of course, I’m grateful for food, right?)
You!
At the risk of sounding like a complete cheese ball, I’m thankful for you! Yes, YOU. It may not seem to mean much to you, but having you here reading my thoughts genuinely means a lot to me. I believe now more than ever, we need to appreciate and acknowledge the positive influences and people that support us. That means, you. When things get rough, it means so much to have you here reading my thoughts and working through it all with me. 2017 seems to be a year of many questions right now, but together – I think it can be a great one.
I wish you, your friends and family a warm, safe and happy Thanksgiving! May you eat like calories doesn’t exist, laugh till your belly aches and spend the day with those you love dearly.
As always, stay stylish and keep chasing your dreams!
XOXO
Kelly
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