So wow. Thanksgiving came and went and holy s***—it’s my f***ing birthday. This year has flown by. At times, it’s been an incredibly challenging one, but all the more rewarding to have come through it with a stronger sense of self and of “Wow, I totally just did a bunch of stuff I didn’t think I could do. I wonder what’s next.”

I love that my birthday falls on a Sunday this year because it’s a great time to touch in and share my weekly little gratitude list.

1.) Spending lots of time with my family and Eli this holiday weekend:

2.) Speaking of Eli, I got to be there for his first snow. I’d worried he was going to be scared, but of course he wanted to eat it. 

3.) My awesome friends, family, and colleagues. New York can get lonely, but I’m lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people who make it less so. I’m looking forward to some low-key birthday celebrations with some of my favorites.

4.) My independence. Sure, I whine about being single sometimes, but really, it’s been awesome these past few years to have the space to follow my passions and guiltlessly pursue my career interests. I spent my early twenties in a relationship in which I felt like I had to keep the fire burning low so as not to call too much attention to myself or upset the (precarious) balance at home, so to have the opportunity to be fearless and bold and curious without being told to explain myself has been valuable beyond description.

5.) Just want to give a shout-out to my mom and her awesome cooking skills, some of which she has been kind of enough to attempt to teach me. I have to say, though, I’m not sure I could ever make as good a turkey as she did this Thanksgiving. 

6.) My sister really brought it with her dessert-making skills this year too. Her hot fudge sundae cake was fan-freaking-tasting. She also happens to be one of the smartest, funniest, kindest people I know, and I’m so proud of her. Sometimes when I catch myself in a moment of self-doubt, I ask myself what she would tell me to do.

7.) Yoga has been a real lifesaver this year. I feel that the older I get, the more I appreciate the opportunity to provides to tune out of my “to-do list” brain and into that very important inner voice.

8.) Lastly, I am thankful for all of you—this blog wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you and your thoughtful insights and comments!

Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend.

What are you grateful for right now?