Thankful Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for:

1. That anytime something hasn’t worked out the way I wanted it to initially, something better did. Always. Without fail.
2. Friends who have loved me more than I loved myself, and who taught me how to love myself.
3. That nothing lasts forever, which is, essentially, just a call to be present.
4. Second chances. Third chances. Forgiveness. The ability to say: thank you for that experience, and mean it.
5. That I have rent to pay, dishes to do, laundry to fold, and dinner to cook; because it means I have my own home, have eaten, am clothed, and have more food available to me.
6. How much joy the little things bring (knowing that that joy is always accessible.)
7. Everything I have healed, everything I have learned, and how being happy, being present, creating more, and being abundant in every way, always begins with thankfulness.

[as inspired by Brianna Wiest]

[Race Recap] Across the Bay 10K

Best experience of my life. Loved every second of this race. It's phenomenal and I would do it again next year. My only regret is not training more beforehand. But I ran 6.2 miles in an hour and fifteen minutes ... pretty darn good if you ask me. Here's to 2015 and many more races ... I think I am addicted now! 

The Sting.

Even as a grown adult, it still hurts when a person defriends you on social media. It's like a bee sting to the heart. The pain subsides as quickly as it hit, but the memory of the sting can last a while.

Life has been great lately. But I can see - literally see - that Satan has been busy. It's like he keeps trying to steal my joy. Steal my peace. Shake me up and get me upset or insecure. I have to stay strong and see these moments for what they are.

I have to be okay in my skin with who I am. Regardless of what other people think. Regardless of whether they want to be my friend on social media or not.

But ouch ... that sting.

Bay Bridge 10K TOMORROW!

My heat starts at 9:30 and the race will be 6.2 miles across the bay bridge. I am both excited and nervous. I have not trained properly but I am looking forward to the challenge! Hopefully I'll be able to walk on Monday ... time will tell! 

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition Day Twenty-Nine & Thirty

Well I reached the happy thirty! It's one of my favorite blogging topics/traditions. There is no better way to re frame your thinking and to put your life into perspective.

On Friday (day 29) I slept in and visited with my momma at her workplace. She allowed be to borrow some teaching materials for my kindergarten friends. I picked up some chic-fil-a for lunch and worked at my job until about 5pm. I called up my sister and one of my best friends to go see Gone Girl and we ended our night with dinner at the Corner Bakery. It was the perfect, low-key way to celebrate Halloween as a twenty-six year old. And I would not have it any other way. We laughed and laughed and laughed ... and I must say, I am grateful for the friends you can have deep belly ache laughs with. There is no better feeling and it's one I will not take for granted.

On Saturday (THE HAPPY THIRTY) I slept in late again and spent my morning cuddled on my couch. At some point, I decided to get up and start my day. I ran to the bank and took care of some plans for Thanksgiving (guess who is hosting this year). Then I went to the mall with my momma and my sister. We did some shopping for a birthday gift for my dad. I scooped up a couple of new wardrobe pieces for myself. Then we went to dinner with Dad at Coastal Flats (yummy). We had a great time and ended up coming back to my place to fellowship for a little while. I ended my night by going over to Natasha's house and hanging out with her husband and their friends. What a group! I have not laughed SO hard for hours on end, in so long. The boys were so fun and kept a smile on my face until 2AM in the morning.

I am so glad I decided to do the Happy 30 again! I feel like myself again and I recognize that I am truly blessed. I am looking forward to entering the holiday season .... who knows what blessings are in store for the remainder of the year!