1. Family:

This one tops my list, and surely most everyone else’s, because I am the wonderful person I am today because of them. The mistakes I’ve made and the lessons learned could not have been endured if it weren’t for their support. I also mention family first because family is not just limited to moms, dads, brothers, and sisters. Best friends also play a significant role in shaping one’s life. When problems occur that others just won’t understand, they are there to step in as a sister, brother, mother, or father. Equally, they are just as important as any family member could be. I am immensely thankful for such a patient, understanding, kind-hearted, and generous family. There are no others who are as loyal as my husband, as tolerant as my parents, as silly as my sisters, and as trustworthy as my best friend. For this, my thanks can never repay them.

2. My Dogs:

This could be a part of my family category, but I wouldn’t want to compare my parents to these lovely beings who are my companions. No matter how angry, frustrated or irritated I am from the day, their wagging tails and “I miss you” licks melt it all away. Who wouldn’t be thankful to have such wonderful pets around to make you feel better on those horrible days? The best part is, they don’t talk back.

3. Endless Opportunities:

 

My parents always told me to never settle. Even if I truly believe that I have everything I need and I think I’m happy, there is always so much in this world to take in. We have a choice to make and it whether or not we want to grab the opportunities life throws at us or watch others take it. It’s funny how sometimes I feel as though I’ve been cornered and everyone else around me seems to be picking up every good opportunity. But, then I realize that life will always come back around and pass you an opportunity. It is limitless. I’ve found that you just have to know where to look and be willing to take it. For this reason, I am so thankful for the fact that no matter how many good opportunities passed me by, new ones will eventually fall into my lap.

4. The Central Coast of California:

For anyone looking for a romantic and scenic getaway, this is the place to go. I am so thankful to have been to such a quaint and rustic part of the world. It is vineyards and wineries galore! The outstretched greenery and the open sea make me appreciate how these seemingly insignificant parts of the world are what first started our very lives. There is no better thing in this life than being able to absorb so much freshness from nature. Being in this place gives me the chance to relax (for once), and I am thankful for anything that has the ability to do this to me.

5. My iPhone:

This one’s sounds a little materialistic, but I honestly cannot live without it. I literally manage me emails, do my research, and keep up on important dates on it. It is like having a whole computer inside of a cell phone—it’s quite amazing! Not only that, to pass the time, I can play games to keep myself entertained. Anyone with a crazy schedule will be thankful for this kind of convenience and entertainment.

6. My Ability to Cook:

I honestly believe that my husband would not have tied the knot if I didn’t know how to cook. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t have tied the knot with myself if I didn’t know how to cook! There is something so rewarding when someone tells you that your food is delicious. My side of the family isn’t so large, so cooking for them isn’t so pressured. My husband’s family on the other hand, is quite big. If I didn’t know how to cook, holidays would be spent with the men and I’d be out of the loop when gossip is going on in the kitchen. So I am extensively thankful that I have somehow picked up the “good cook” gene and am able to satisfy the many complicated palettes in my family.

7. Hot Cocoa and Warm Pajamas:

Oh, what would I do without the world’s best comforts? I live in southern California and cold weather here does not exist. When that 1 out of the 365 days gets cold, I grab a mug, pour some hot cocoa, get in my jammies and crawl under a blanket as if it is snowing outside. It is the most amazing, most comfortable feeling in the world! Cold weather reminds me of the holidays, and I love the holidays more than any child on this planet. So, any day that allows me to feel like Christmas is around the corner and hot cocoa is bubbling on the stove, is a day worth being thankful for.

8. My Journal:

Sometimes, confiding in others doesn’t always help. I find that having a journal with me at all times gives me the chance to relieve stress and stop it from getting worse. I can be whoever I want to be and I say what I feel like saying. The best part is, no one is there to judge or talk over you. But, if journals could talk....

9. Costco:

This may seem like a funny one, but I am so thankful that a place like Costco exists! Because of this place, I lessen the days for grocery shopping and I save on time, gas, and money. It is brilliant how things can be bought in bulk and that their “to-go” food is so cheap. Where else can you buy a huge slice of pizza with a cup of soda for a $2.50?

10.  My Toothbrush:

 

 No toothbrush = reeking breath. Enough said.