Good morning and happy Tuesday. Because it’s a short week for me, I’ll be blogging today and tomorrow, but you won’t see me back on here until Monday. No Black Friday sales from me – because that isn’t really my focus, and you can find all that stuff on literally any social media site you use. Instead, I want to take the time today to focus on a spirit of gratitude in honor of Thanksgiving. So, today I’m sharing 5 things I’m most thankful for this year.
Family
After a year of being told that it’s safer to stay apart, I’m celebrating the big wins this year in knowing that we are all better together. While we still gathered together for the holidays last year, it felt weird. This year, I feel like we are making strides, and I’m looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with family. I’m thankful to have a large extended family in my life, and the group chat makes me smile year-round. Sure – all families have their differences, but it’s those unique pieces that family whole. Thankful for mine!
Friends
Everyone needs a community. Especially in today’s “endemic pandemic” world. I’ve mentioned before that I can tend to be more of an introvert – with extroverted tendencies. I love my people. Find yourself a good group of friends who get you. As I’ve gotten older, I have learned that it’s the quality of the people you surround yourself with – as opposed to the quantity. Spend your time with people who encourage you to grow, who inspire you and who motivate you to be your best selves.
Work
Today, I’m so thankful for my job. I am lucky to be able to wake up every day doing a job that I truly enjoy. Is it busy? Sure. Have I had a few roadblocks on my way to finding a career that was the right fit for me? Absolutely. We don’t always have it all figured out, but a lot of prayer – and a lot of faith – always puts you right where you are meant to be. I have a wonderful team who I enjoy working with dearly. Nine years are counting! For those of you who are struggling with finding fulfillment in the work that you do, I encourage you think outside of the box – and thing of those tasks in your day that bring you the most joy and inspire you the most. (and, I was so thankful to be able to see some of my co-workers in person last week).
Working from home
Ya’ll, I’m not sure this would ever make it on any list. But, here I am. Nearly two years since I started working from home due to the pandemic. And, I’m not ever going to return to my office as I knew it. In fact, the building is getting sold off. So, we will have space in another building in the Texas Medical Center, but it will largely be for meetings, retreats and face to face meetings that must happen in person. Aside from that, I’ll be working remotely forever. As someone who really enjoys the social aspect of work, I missed that over the last 20 months. But, we’ve found a new way to foster connection with my co-workers over a virtual environment. And, I’ve fully embraced the positives of working from home. No commute for starters. My flexible work attire (I call it flexible – but really, I’m working in my yoga pants and athleisure). The ability to call it quits at the end of the day – and already be home. And, just generally having a bit more time back in my day.
My Spuds
I can’t just talk about thankfulness without first acknowledging that there have been parts of 2021 that have been incredibly difficult to overcome. But, in between the heartache – and the chaos that arrived earlier this year, the year has finished itself with peace and joy. And ya know what? Those hard parts that seemed insurmountable at the time – we’ve overcome them. For those of you who have been reading for awhile, our house underwent some major home repairs in 2021 thanks to the freeze. We did a complete repipe, a renovation and more!
And, in March, I lost my 13-year old golden retriever: Sawyer. He and I were the OG’s. He was around before I had a house, before I had a husband, before I had my job. He will always hold one of the most special places in my heart, along with Buttercup who we lost in July just four months after Sawyer passed. After we said goodbye to Sawyer, I didn’t feel like myself for awhile, and sometimes, I can’t believe that he’s gone.
But, my husband recognized that the best to help me overcome some of that grief, was to bring home not one, but two, precious golden retriever puppies. So, we welcomed Tex and Cali into our house in June, and we’ve been moving forward ever since. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m so glad we got two. They keep Aaron and I on our toes, but they are some of the brightest spots in every day. Dogs, we just don’t deserve them.
I have so many other things on my list, that I really should have made it the 10 things I’m most thankful for this Thanksgiving. But, headed into this holiday season with my heart full and looking forward to kicking off this holiday season with family and friends.
And, Christmas is arriving to the TaniGomez household on Sunday!!! You can find me decorating, playing Christmas music – and finally embracing the holiday season.
