Thoughts on Thankfulness: Counting My Blessings

I love Thanksgiving. It's definitely one of my top favorite holidays. The season, seeing family and friends, all the cooking and baking beforehand, and the relaxing chatter after the meal all make it the perfect day. So in honor of Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season, I've put together a list of some of the things I'm most thankful for. 

A lovely painting of a New England church in the fall.

1. My Church Family

I've been attending our church my entire life, and my parents went for years before me. The other members there are really my family! They are always supportive and loving, and they constantly encourage me to not only become a better christian, but to excel at everything I do. In many ways, my church family has helped me to fill the space of grandparents I never got to know. I am so thankful for their involvement and influence on my life. 

Some of my skating friends, Caroline, Victoria, Me, Angela, and Victoria at our skating club's spring show. 

2. Being Able to Pursue My Passion

I am a firm believer that everyone has something special that motivates them, makes them feel wonderful, and gets them excited. I'm so thankful that I'm fortunate enough to pursue my passion of figure skating. I love that it challenges me every time I'm on the ice. The athletic grace, theatrical interpretation, and sheer power really can't be found anywhere else. Skating always puts a smile on my face, and I'm so thankful that I'm able to do what I love. 

Books and tea...the perfect afternoon. 

3. Great Books

I love reading, always have. In my freshman year, though, I definitely began to have a better understanding of literature. I learned that even if you didn't really like the book, you can still learn to recognize and appreciate the symbolism, character development, or overall writing style of the author. I certainly 'learned how to read' in that I now dive further into the book than I used to. That being said, a good old Agatha Christie mystery never fails to make my day! I am so thankful for the plethora of books that are available to me. 

Me and one of my best friends, Deanna, outside of the Library of Congress during National 4H Conference.

4. All The Opportunities I've Been Given

I am so thankful for all the unique opportunities I've been given through skating, 4H, homeschooling, and everything else. Things like National 4H Conference, US Figure Skating test sessions, being in a great lit class, hearing so much music, working with animals, and countless other opportunities have helped me develop into a well-rounded person. I just hope I can help other kids take advantage of these opportunities as well. 

Some of us SC girls goofing around at our county's Awards Night (we were wearing our Hogwarts uniforms! :P)

5. The Amazing County I Live In

Yay, S. County 4Hers! Love you guys! We stick together through thick and thin, are always encouraging to one another, and really are each other's best friends. I'm so happy to know all of you and do 4H with you guys! We may be slightly nerdy, but hey, that's one of the many reasons that make us awesome. :)

There's so much more I could write! What are YOU thankful for this holiday season? Happy preparing-for-Thanksgiving, everyone!