Hello, and Happy Thanksgiving, I hope you’re having a lovely day! I have so so much to be thankful for this year, and every year. My family has a tradition of going around our table and saying what we are thankful for one by one in alphabetical order. I figured that I would share with you some of the things I am thankful of this year, in that same way.

 

 

Art. Being raised by an artist, I find inspiration and appreciation for art in all forms. I love the feeling that flows over you while listening to music, or watching a play. Music, painting, and performance bring me such joy.

Boy. My wonderful Andrew, whom I lovingly refer to as “Boy”. He makes me smile and feel whole. It is true what they say, that the best advice is to be in a relationship with your best friend. My heart is so happy whenever he is around.

CMAA/PCMA. These professional organizations have changed my life, for which I am forever grateful. They have given me so many opportunities and experiences to grow and thrive. I have made so many friendships and connections within this groups, including finding a roommate and becoming a bridesmaid.

Dad. My incredible father. Whether it’s singing while making breakfast, or listening to classical music while he paints, my father shines light in our house. Being away at school and knowing he will always text me goodnight is a gesture of his love. He inspires me to fulfill my dreams and let nothing keep me from being myself.

   

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment. I watch a lot of television. I also watch a lot of movies. And, I read a lot of books. There is something magical for me about diving into a new world and getting lost in it…

Flat. The name given to our group chat, ‘The London Flat’, in honor of our future dreams. Emma and Steph are the more than I could ever ask for. Being separated by nearly 350 miles has not driven us apart, if anything it has brought us closer. I’ve been truly blessed to have such strong and unimaginably wonderful friends at my side.

Godmother. Another lovely lady who guides me in my life. She is creative and inspiring, and is a family figure without the necessity of blood. She is a part of my life that was such a charming and unexpected surprise, that I don’t think I could ever comprehend my life without.

Health. This one is simple. Being in good health is something I take for granted every day. I need to sometimes sit back and think about how lucky and thankful I am for it.

 

Internet. A silly thing to be thankful for, but truly I do not think I would survive a day without it. As a student and a millennial, it’s a necessity that I’m thankful for.

Jai. My adorable blue hatchback. She has gotten me to and from school countless time and never failed me. Even when I smashed her, she still drove me to safety. As I go abroad, my sister will take her, and I cannot wait to see the adventures they have together, as I know Jai will keep her safe just like she always has for me.

Kent Family. My wonderful network of friendships. I have beautiful people all across campus who are such a light in my life. Thank you to these friends, who pick me up when I’m feeling low, who hug me when I need family, who make home feel not so far away.

Laughter. The natural, joyous kind. The laughs you share that make your sides hurt and tears roll down your cheeks. These moments make my heart sing.

   

Mama. My extraordinary mother. She is the most powerful woman I have ever known. She has taught me so many lessons in my upbringing that I can never hope to repay her for. She leads by example on how to live a life to be proud of, and shows love to those around her in the simplest of ways.

Netflix/YouTube. Yea. Again, a silly one. As previously stated above, I use the internet and watch television a lot. This mostly happens on my laptop as I do not have a television of my own (which is probably for the best).

Opportunities. Like I said with CMAA/PCMA, I am fortunate to be able to have so many chances to succeed. I take every chance presented to me. This stretches me a bit thin, yes, BUT my resume looks spectacular. I love the choices I’ve made, and am forever thankful for the opportunities given to me.

Planner. My little black and white stripped planner is the key to my sanity. It holds every single thing I need to keep my world spinning. Some people use apps, but for me the feeling of having everything in writing is what keeps me put together.

Quiet time. I love people, hell it’s my major in college to love people, but I equally love the quiet. I didn’t always, it’s something I’ve learned as I’ve grown and matured. Quiet time with my own thoughts and spirit relaxes me.

Rocky Horror Picture Show. For the past year I’ve been involved in a shadow cast in Kent for this production. I will truly be forever thankful of the way this show has changed me. The show itself has taught me a great amount of self confidence and body confidence I did not previously possess. The cast has shown me love and friendship in a way that was unexpected and so valuable. The production and cast has shaken me to my core, and my world is truly ‘rose tinted’ thanks to them.

Sister. I say it all the time, my sister is my entire world. She has such a unique perspective on life that I couldn’t see without her. She is my inspiration and my support system. Although she is younger than me, I look up to her so much.

Tears. I cry. A lot. I never hold back my emotions, which is both a positive and a negative. Those around me can always tell how I’m thinking and feeling. One of the best feelings is letting go, and allowing yourself to just cry. No matter the reason, tears being emotion, and further, they bring healing.

Unofficial Family. Around my home, we’ve built our own world and family. Come holiday season we become the ‘Island of Misfit Toys’ as we welcome in all kinds of people. Being far from our blood family, this built family brings us such immeasurable joy.

Validation. This one is odd, but it comes in all forms. I’m thankful for those moments when I get to exhale and say “You’re on the right track, you’re going to be okay”. Those moments every so often when all the hard work pays off.

Wedgewood. The incredible golf and country club that I interned at this past summer. They created a special position for me, as they had never had an events intern before! The staff were welcoming and kind all the way through, and provided me with so many opportunities to learn.

Xenodochy. (The ‘X’ was hard). This is a 17th century word for hospitality. If you’re xenodochial then you like to entertain strangers. As a Hospitality major, and being raised in a household that lived to entertain, this word is so relevant in my life. I am thankful for being raised in a home full of strangers turned friends.

You. Hi there, whoever you are! I am thankful for you. Thank you for reading this far, and for reading this blog just in general. Your support is so appreciated and I’m so glad you’re on this journey with me.

Zoey. Finally, my sunshine pup. She is my heartbeat at my feet. My little rescue dog with so much personality. She brings such happiness to my family, and provides us with endless love. I cannot imagine my life without her little face in it.

If you’ve read until the end, thank you. If you read bits and pieces, thank you. If you didn’t read it at all and just looked at pictures, thank you. Like I said, I’m just happy you’re here! I hope you’re having an marvelous day, however it is you celebrate it. Happy Thanksgiving.

xoxox julia