It’s Thanksgiving week, meaning there’s no better time than the present to reflect back on what I’m thankful for this year. Tis’ the season for giving thanks and all that…

When it comes to ‘what I’m thankful for’ posts, I’m never quite sure if people find these endearing and enjoyable – or altogether annoying. So, I took to Twitter and put it to a vote and the general consensus was…they’re good.

Which frankly, works out well for me because as the last two weeks have been most definitely the most STRESSFUL of 2017…they’ve also highlighted to me what I am thankful for. You know, those things at the end of the day that pick you up and put you in a happy place. Or, the friendly faces or voices that come into your life and keep you going…even when you want to bury your head in the sand,

Of course, as adults – that’s not the practical choice and so we all do our very best to keep on going. And, if we’re so lucky, we have some blessings along the way to help us along!

What I’m Thankful for This Year:

Myself and My Health

What a self-absorbed away to kick off a list of things go be thankful for, right? Ha! But seriously, this year has taught me a lot about myself and shown me how capable I am and tenacious. 2017 has been a year of soul-searching for a lot of people, present company included. I’ve learned I give a lot of myself to help others, sometimes to the point where it ends up burning me out….but I wouldn’t change that for the world.

I’m also very grateful for my health, which of course goes without saying. This fall, my anxiety has been all over the place…my back pain has crept back up again…but in the end, I know I’m far better off than many and for that I am grateful. Every day, I see people who struggle with a wide range of health issues and it really sets in stone how blessed I truly am to be as healthy as I am today. Your health is definitely not something to ever take for granted!

The People and Organizations Doing Good

2017 has been a challenging year for a lot of my beliefs. I care so much about the environment, I care so much about animals, I care so much about the well-being of my fellow Americans. All of which have brutally come under attack in 2017 at a time when you just don’t see a lot of empathy going around.

Fortunately, there are great organizations and great people out there. They exist and they do wonderful things every day – you just don’t happen to hear about them as much. When times are dark and troubling, it’s not only great to join the ranks of people who want to make a positive difference like you because you can make positive things happen. But, it’s also great because it reaffirms your faith in the world. Your belief that there is good out there and wonderful things happening every day.

I’m lucky because in my day job I get fundraise for a nonprofit that serves people with disabilities and I witness great things happen literally every day – but even beyond that. I’m so grateful for Mercy for Animals, the ACLU, PETA, Planned Parenthood, on and on and on. I do my best to fit in time to volunteer and share great news stories when I come across them. I encourage everyone to do the same. We have to celebrate the good news and make it keep happening – rather than drowning in the bad.

My Family

One thing I wish I was able to do more of in 2017 is take more vacations with them — because I really do feel like I’ve kind of worked myself in a frenzy and not enjoyed time off as much as I should. But, my family has been there through and through.

I kind of think of family now as a guiding light – that’s always there. Sometimes, even when you’re not quite in the mood. Sometimes, when you think you want to be alone but really do need to vent a little bit. Or, when you want to explore the aisles of Target, binge watch a gazillion Hallmark movies, indulge on overly sweet baked goods, laugh about the most unfortunate of things, smile about the good times and think about great memories to come.

My family’s been there through the best and the worst times of 2017 and I’m so grateful to say that.

Friends

This is starting to feel like such a cliche list, but I can’t help it. I have to give a shout out to my mixed bag of friends. In my day to day life and through blogging, I’ve come to know such an eclectic and talented group of people and it’s so wonderful to know there’s literally always someone I can reach out to at any time – for any reason. Be it to lend a helping hand when you need it, to just relax and watch football, to dissect the latest episode of the Real Housewives with or just plainly…laugh, at anything and everything – or nothing at all.

Last but Not Least, Dream in Lace

There are times in 2017, when I have just felt so overwhelmed and like I simply can’t find the time to create content for Dream in Lace anymore. This month in particular has been really difficult to find the time, but in the end…I really don’t think I could ever leave this space. It brings me so much joy to write down my thoughts in this personal corner of the web and share them with everyone and anyone who will listen.

I spend so much of my time creating content for others in my day job – that there’s something immeasurably fulfilling about having a space that’s purely my own. Dream in Lace is dreamt up by me and created by me – in hopes of inspiring you my fellow dreamer.

It’s a battle finding the time to do it all when you only have two hands, but I really appreciate the ability to always come back here and the patience of everyone for bearing with me when things get kind of hectic. This year, Dream in Lace has also brought me some incredible opportunities and helped me check more and more items off my bucket list. My hope is in 2018, I’ll be better at balancing it all and be able to chase even more opportunities – bringing you along for the ride with me, of course.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Of course, it goes without saying that I wish you the very happiest of Thanksgivings! This year, I’m literally counting down the minutes till Thanksgiving weekend begins and look forward to spending time with family and…relaxing!!!

Possibly, I’ll be doing some Black Friday shopping too – but not what you’re thinking of. Last year we discovered a charming historic nearby town lined with boutique and antique shops. For Black Friday, they have carolers and the whole bit going on…and I hope to get to experience that all again. It was like stepping into a Hallmark movie and if you know me…you know I’m totally all about that! Definitely a fond memory that bears repeating.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thank YOU so much for reading. It truly means the world to me! xo

P.S. If you’re looking for a recipe guaranteed to win you brownie points on Thanksgiving, this highly addictive pumpkin bread will definitely do the trick! Check out the recipe, here.

Stay stylish and keep chasing your dreams!

XOXO
Kelly

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