Giving thanks

Any time is a good time to recognize and count your blessings, but since this holiday seems to require it of people, I'll take a moment to give my thanks to the things that matter most to me in life:

1. Family: I always put family on the top of these lists. We are far from perfect, we are far from loving, we are far from being one cohesive unit. But we would do just about anything for one another. We've all sacrificed, but I've probably had to put the very least of my own hopes and wishes aside, for the sake of family, just because I'm the youngest. I recognize this now, and I'm grateful for all that everyone in my family has done for one another and for me.

2. Friends: As I go through more and more crap, I learn just who it is that I can truly rely on, my real friends. It's a small number, but that's how I like it - quality over quantity. My true friends always take my side, always push me to be better, and always support me when I'm down and out; without this kind of love in my life, I don't know where I would be.

3. Trials and tribulations: I don't like adversity and struggle when I'm suffering through them, but it is getting through them that has made me aware of my own strengths and my own weaknesses. I've lost loved ones, I've put together the pieces of my broken heart more than once, I've worried about my financial situation. I've been insulted by strangers, I've been insulted by friends, I've been insulted by family. I've been physically, emotionally, and mentally injured. And I've grown. I grow stronger every year, and in the end, I'm grateful for it.

4. Education: I've never appreciated the schooling I've received more, nor have I ever wanted to take further advantage of my opportunities. It's oftentimes hard, stressful, and frustrating, but it's also challenging, encouraging, and (hopefully) rewarding.

5. A sound body: For the most part, my health has been extremely good. Sure, I've nearly died once, and yes, I'm a bit accident prone, but my body has been very good to me. I wish my eyesight would stop worsening, though, so I can start saving for Lasik.

There are other things I'm grateful for; I know I've been lucky. But these five top the list, at the moment. Besides, I have to save some topics for my always-epic end-of-the-year recap. :D