It’s Thanksgiving Day here in Canada. I thought it might be appropriate to take stock and list what I’m grateful for.  There’s so much in my life that I can appreciate so much.  So here’s my list of 10 things that I am thankful for.
1. I’m thankful for my kids. 

This goes without saying, really, but I’m going to state it up front. I’m incredibly thankful for my children. I have six gorgeous, healthy, amazing girls. The responsibility terrifies me some days, but mostly I’m just in awe of them. They make this job of parenting so rewarding. I never thought I’d be so fortunate!

I know it’s cliche for any parent to say they are thankful for their kids, but it’s cliche because it’s true. I wouldn’t be the person I am without the experience of having and raising children. My life changed the day that I had that first positive pregnancy test. And that first taste of euphoria never really left. I still get giddy when I think about my daughters. The privilege of calling these girls my family, of being their mom, is one I will never take for granted.

2. I’m thankful I get to stay home with my kids.

Not every mom gets to stay home with their children. It’s even more rare when you’re a single mom.  That I get to stay home and raise my kids is incredible. I love it. I recognize just how lucky I am. And I’m so grateful for the circumstances that make it possible.

3. I’m thankful for my safe and happy home.

I’m even more grateful for the safety and peace of my home, because it wasn’t always this way. Knowing that my kids are safe, happy, and thriving in the home I’ve been able to provide for them thrills me. From the tension and fear of what we used to think was normal, the atmosphere in my home is so different, so much better. And it’s not something that I think of lightly. You don’t always know what you have unless you’ve experienced different. We have. So I’m grateful we don’t live that way anymore. We’re safe, and we’re happy.

4. I’m thankful for the freedom I have.

I have so much freedom. Not just because I live in a country where, as a woman, I have rights, and I’m treated with respect. Not just because I have the financial ability to support myself and my children. Not just because, as a single parent with full custody, I have the ability to make decisions for my family without conflict or fear.  I’m free because I’ve been set free, in so many ways. And it wasn’t always that way. So I’m grateful for the life of freedom I now have.

5. I’m thankful for the community of support around me.

I have such an incredible community of support. And it showed up this past year when I found myself unexpectedly pregnant again.  I would name names here, but I want to respect the privacy of the friends and family that gave, and gave more than I could ever ask. You know who you are.  Your gifts, your listening ears, your reaching out was appreciated more than you know. I didn’t know how much I needed you. You showed up when I needed help. Thank you!

6. I’m thankful because I have more than enough.

I’m writing this post while I’m folding laundry. We have tons of clothes. We have so many toys! We have thousands of books. No one goes hungry, cold or bored here. Not only do we have everything we need, but I can provide anything else we may need, without fear or reservation. And I can give out of our supply. I have more than enough, so I can share. That is a magnificent feeling. And I’m grateful for it.

7. I’m thankful for technology.

While a lot of people are dismayed at our society’s increasing reliance on technology, I am grateful for it. Because of technology, I can make new friends, and keep in touch with old ones, despite distance. I can get answers to questions and help share my knowledge, because of technology. I can get more done with technological innovations. And I can even make a living while raising my children, because technology lets me work from home. None of my life would be possible without technology.

8. I’m thankful for my readers.

Yes .. you. The ones reading this post right now. I’m thankful for you. Without you, all of this would be kinda pointless. I would probably still write, since writing helps me process my own stuff. But knowing someone cares enough to read what I write makes me a better writer. It makes me a better person. I pay attention to my own life more, so that I can share more of what I learn. I take more pictures to be able to make better images to give my readers. I think things through, and develop better systems, because I know others’ are watching and reading what I have to say. You make me a better person. So I thank you guys!

9. I’m thankful for caffeine. 

So thankful for caffeine .. especially in this season of life.

10. I’m thankful for Thanksgiving.

You know what? Without Thanksgiving Day, I wouldn’t have an excuse to write this post. And then I wouldn’t have reminded myself just how good I’ve got it. I have so much to be thankful for! So thanks for Thanksgiving Day.

Besides.. pumpkin pie is yummy.

What are you thankful for?