Day 7: I Am Thankful For...

November 7: I am thankful for knowing what it means to have and give respect.

My parents taught me to respect my elders, respect our leaders, and respect myself. Because I give respect, I am shown respect... and that feels pretty good.

Day 6: I Am Thankful For...

November 6: I am thankful that I have a voice in this campaign.

I have done my duty as an American citizens and exercised my right to vote. I didn't want to go with everyone else who has been saying all day that they are thankful for their right to vote, but I must say it is very important to me.

The race is tight and tempers are flaring amongst people across the nation. But the fact is this, if you don't get out there and rock your vote your voice will not be heard. Whether or not my candidate wins the election tonight, I voted. I cast my vote and I've done my part as an American citizen. I'm thankful that I can do that.

Day 5: I Am Thankful For...

November 5: I am thankful for dreams.

Dreams are all we have. Our dreams, our hopes, our wishes. When we are young, we dream about our wedding day, we dream about our careers, we dream about having a family. As adults, we dream about the same things. Our dreams grow with us. They help us mature and they are present in our experiences.

Not only am I thankful for those kinds of dreams, but I am also thankful for the dreams I have at night. When I lay my head on my pillow and close my eyes, I don't know what adventures will be waiting for me. Sometimes I remember them, mostly I don't. But having those dreams reminds me that there is so much more to life than what we see with our eyes.

I am thankful that I have those dreams to reflect upon.

Day 4: I Am Thankful For...

November 4: I am thankful for the ability to speak my mind.

My friends and family all know me well enough. They know that when I have a strong opinion about something, I'm going to say it. I'm going to voice my concerns and I'm going to shout loud enough for everyone to hear it. I am thankful that I have that ability. Sometimes I'm quiet and I keep things hidden inside. And there are other times when I feel like I just need to get it out. I'm loud. I'm obnoxious at times most of the time. That's just a part of who I am. I know I've gotten my mouth smacked a few times for speaking my mind, but I'm proud of that part of me. I stand up for what I believe in. My parents taught me that. They taught me to speak my mind.

Day 3: I Am Thankful For...

November 3: I am thankful for memories.

One year ago today, my grandfather was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer that would take his life by the end of the month. Five years ago in September, the most amazing little person entered my life and changed my views forever. Two months ago, I spent a few days in Nevada with two of the most amazing women I know just hanging out, catching up, and remembering why we loved each other so much in the first place. A year ago in August my sister was cleared of her cancer. And fifteen years ago this past May, I graduated from high school.

There are so many things that go through my mind as I age. Memories are the most wonderful of all those thoughts. Where would I be without them? My experiences have shaped me into the woman I am today. And how would I ever get to where I am without those memories. I am so thankful that I have them, that I have pictures and video clips from different moments in my life. Those pictures tell me a story. They tell my life story. And I am thankful for my memories.

Day 2: I Am Thankful For...

November 2: I am thankful for silence.

There's a moment in time when our hearts beat wildly, our minds are filled with memories, and our bodies feel numb inside. The moment when you lose someone so close to you that you cannot find the words to express how you feel.

There is so much pain in a moment of silence. Losing your thoughts, not being able to find some sort of understanding... Silence can leave us wondering about so many things.

Today, I am thankful for the moments in between the music. I am thankful for the pause that happens between the beats in our lives. Those moments when I can piece together the jagged thoughts in my mind and make the picture whole. Without the silence, I would lose myself completely.

Day 1: I Am Thankful For...

It's the beginning of the month that makes us really think about the things we are most thankful for in our lives. I did it last year, and this year is no different. I know that most of my "thankful for" things/people will be the exact same as last year, but I am thankful anyway. So with that being said.......

November 1, 2012: I am thankful for music.

 

~ photo credit ~

Growing up, I would sing a lot. I talked a lot more, but I would sing. Mom would watch Solid Gold on Saturday nights and we would watch The Monkees on television, singing all their songs. At family hayrides, I would sing "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" by George Jones and "Tomorrow" from Annie. I loved it. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I was learning my first instrument, the saxophone (NOT TRUE. I first learned how to play the recorder). Taking lessons and learning from my band director helped me to develop my passion.

I didn't understand it then like I do now. Music is more than just songs. Music is my soul. Every song tells a story. Every song has an understanding.

I take each song as a piece of me, learning more about myself through the lyrics... feeling myself grow through the melodies. My experiences in life could be cataloged through a country album. The voices are so much stronger than what you hear. Music opens my heart to happiness. I feel the pain in a chord, and the pulsing in my veins with every thump of the bass. Music is life. The gateway to our souls. And I am thankful for the music that my life writes every day.

And just in case you're wondering what my favorite song of all time is, I thought I'd leave you with the video...