Instead, I decided that I am going to create a list of things I'm thankful for because, in our current world and in my current situation, it turns out that it is quite easy to become Negative Nancy.
24. My family (and yes, that does include my finacé and his family as well) that has done nothing more than be supportive to me throughout my life and be physically supportive to me during my recovery time after my surgery.
23. Doctors that know what they are doing. So, yes, I had a last minute doctor change who decided that instead of using a cadaver's ACL, we were going to rebuild it using my own tissue. While this will take a longer recovery time, he claims that I'll be 100% at the end of six months and be able to train for a marathon. For a runner, that's some of the best news I could've received.
22. Working as a teacher. While there will always be days where this job is frustrating (as any teacher can attest to), there are days that make this job worthwhile.
21. Progress. I'm making progress in all that I do. I'm making progress in becoming a better teacher; I'm making progress on my exercises from the doctor; I'm making progress on the first draft of the book I'm writing. Every day, I make progress.
20. Creativity. Being stuck on a bed or a couch for long hours at a time is quite boring, but luckily I have a creative mind that allows me to write out fantastical tales, blog posts, or video scripts that can take up time.
19. The ability to read. I love to read and that is not surprising to anyone reading this post, but I am thankful for the ability. When my creative juices seem to run low, or I am just too groggy to think on my own, I can always turn to my massive stacks of books to keep me company.
18. Puppies. Currently, there are two waggily tales that are with us for Thanksgiving, but there is one in particular who greets me excitedly every day, no matter my mood. Amos has definitely lifted my spirits on days that I have felt drained. This week, we also have Barney who is making sure I have double the affection!
17. Stubbornness. Now, this is one of those things that people might say is more of a negative trait than a positive one for me. However, currently, it's one of the things that keeps moving me forward. I will get better. I will get stronger. I will complete those things that I want to do.
16. Books. No, I do not count this as the same as number 19, because not everyone is blessed with the abundant amount of worlds and fantasies I have gathered around me to dive into when I need to escape the reality of the world.
15. Financial stability. So, yes, I still have loans, medical bills, and a wedding to pay for, but I am not hurting. I am thankful that my parents are letting me spend a year at home so that I can pay for all of these things without hurting. (and still allow me to buy a couple books here and here ;) )
14. The internet. I have so many friends who I no longer live near and, as much backlash as social media gets, I am very much thankful for it. It allows for me to continue conversations with people that I may not get to talk with otherwise - celebrate when the time calls for it and grief when they need it. It also allows me to meet and befriend amazing people that I might not get to know outside of the interwebs.
13. Vacation. I feel that this one doesn't need explanation. :)
12. Chocolate - because everything can be made better by chocolate.
11. I am thankful for a country that allows me to speak my own mind in any form I chose. Though most people find this dangerous and, personally, most people abuse this, I am still thankful we have this right. I am thankful that I am allowed to freely discuss different opinions and ideas with people without fearing for my life.
10. Fall. There's something so wonderful about this season. Warm, fuzzy things, crisp air, spice smells and SO. MUCH. FOOD! I love the fall. For me, it's the happiest time of the year! (Especially in Texas where it's still in the 60s and 70s. )
9. Laughter. People say that laughter is the best medicine, but it's also a great way to bond with people. Most of my best memories with people are of us sharing stories and creating really weird inside jokes. Laughter doesn't have a language barrier.
8. Beautiful Nerves. Now, I know most people always have a weird story from their surgery, because they are loopy, but I have one before my medicine hit. I received a nerve block before I went under (for obvious reasons.) So, these two wonderful ladies come in and they use an ultrasound to find the nerves in my thigh, followed by a horribly long needle to make doubly sure I feel no pain. As they are looking around, the doctor goes, "You have such beautiful nerves." And then I got a whole lot of medicine in my system.
So, when I am feeling down, I just have to remember that I got beautiful nerves in my body, which makes me beautiful as well.
7. Bending knees. I never knew how grateful I would be for this common body movement until I was not allowed to do so for a week.
6. Friends. The family that has chosen to love me, my weirdness, and everything else that comes along with it.
5. Brand new days. Because sometimes the only way to move forward is knowing that yesterday cannot possibly be repeated. There is a chance for forgiveness and there is a chance to start again.
4. The Dallas Cowboys having their first great season in a good long while.
3. The Ice Machine. If you have ever used one, you totally understand. If you haven't, well, be thankful you haven't.
2. My finacé. (Yes, he gets his own) He has chosen to stick with me for better or for worst for the rest of our lives. That's worth being your own number on this list. :)
1. A God that is control of all aspects of my life, even if I am unsure what will happen come tomorrow.
There are 24 reasons that I am grateful this season. 24 things that I need to remind myself constantly through the next six months of my life. Hopefully, as this time progresses, I will be able to constantly add to this list, and be able to train myself to stay in the Positive Pam mindset - because I know that it's a much better place to be.
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.
Until next time,
Kaity
