My Top Ten: Most Thankful List

The holidays are just around the corner and I can't even believe how fast it's gone by.  This year has definitely been one that has tossed me a few curve balls here and there.  Moments have come where I wanted to really let go of it all; toss life in and just give up.  Until I realized that the beauty of life is about giving it your all and then some....in order to truly love the life you live.  There are many things that I am grateful for, all of which have helped me get through this year of growth that I have come to accept and love.  So even though Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, here is my top ten most thankful list...the things that I couldn't live without and the the things that make me want to live more each day:

1. My family..who have stuck by my side through all of life's greatest endeavors.  To them..who have shaped me into the woman I am and who love me nonetheless.  Who listen to me relentlessly and help me every chance they get.
2. The love I have found in a man who tells it like it is..even if it hurts sometimes.  A man who isn't afraid to open his heart and reveal his soul, no matter what it takes.  And a man who I could never see my life without.
3. Myself; because let's just face it...who would I be if I weren't me?  If I weren't this crazy, semi-neurotic, semi-obsessive, loving, silly, funny person? I love me more and more each day and I am beginning to be even more grateful for who I am.
4. GOD! Because God has given me my family, my guy, my happiness, my being and my life in general.  I am ever so thankful for all of his blessings in my life.
5. My new job! Although stressful at times and even semi-chaotic, I love it.  I love seeing happy babies throughout the day and I love the hugs I receive from them.  They brighten all of  my days and enrich my life.
6. My friends who have stuck by me even after the great move and the ones I've met along the way: Ashley, Andre, Lindsay, Olivia.....two are from back home, and two are from my new home.  Thank you for loving this crazy girl.  And for being the bestest friends I have.
7. Jeeves..my dog! Or my boyfriends dog..but also...my adopted son.  Anyone who has a dog, knows how much they make your life that much greater.  Their love is unconditional and they love you no matter what you do or say.  I love this little guy and he makes  my life all the more complete.
8. Life. I get to breathe and kiss and love and hug and speak to and admire and learn from...anyone and anything.  Life has taught me that it's so easy to get away from all that matters and lose yourself along the way.  But, we must all go through those changes and growths in life in order to understand what it is we really want.  And my life,will never be perfect,but it will always be MY life!
9. Love. Because it teaches you to really appreciate everything around you.  It opens your heart and your eyes to what really matters  in life and makes you really want to hold on to what you have, and never let it go.
10. Most of all, I am thankful for everything that I have been through in life.  Every downfall, every obstacle, every moment where I've kind of "hated" life...I am thankful for.  I would not be where I am today without those moments and I cherish them for teaching me the lessons in life, I would otherwise, have never learned. 

I can't believe that this year is almost coming to an end.  But I am looking forward to a new year and more changes and growths in myself.  I love my life and I accept all the things that come my way.  All the moments that may be hard to get through, I love...for I am becoming the strong Kim I've always known existed.