We have all experienced a year that can be described with words like “difficult”, “challenging”, “unique”, “hard” and so many more discouraging words. Sometimes, on especially overwhelming days, it’s hard to find the good things and the positive moments. But it’s Thanksgiving and for just this one day, I want to focus entirely on what I’m blessed with this year more than ever!

I’m thankful for… my kiddos

I have always been in love with my kiddos. I have always known I’m the luckiest person in the world to be Zach and Addie’s momma. But if nothing else, this year has gifted me with extra time (my “bonus” time I call it) with these two little humans (even if some days all I want is to hide and be by myself for an hour or two). I feel like I’ve gotten to understand them more than ever and I have seen such incredible growth these past several months. They are happy and healthy and actually thriving which is about the best thing to come out of this year. They’re outside constantly, they are each other’s best friends even more than ever and they have been remarkably independent and helpful. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I’m grateful for them.

I’m thankful for… my clients

I have to admit — there were a few months this year where I thought I may not even have one single photo session this year. The rules and safety regulations were constantly changing and so were my own fear and worry levels. But then, little by little, the e-mails and contact forms and messages started coming in. Things go so busy August through November that I had to block off days off and even created a scheduling link to make things easier as my days filled up. I have to sit down and count the official numbers but I am positive that this was my most successful and busiest photo season EVER. I cannot accurately describe what it means to have captured all of these moments and memories this year especially.

I’m thankful for… the little things

It was almost like my senses were heightened this year. I saw things — like, truly saw things. This year, I smelled every scent; I appreciated every crunch of a leaf. And, I treasured every new blossom on a flower I had planted. I didn’t know how much I needed these little things — new books and a growing garden and hobbies and side gigs and all the bits of beauty and joy. But they were there, they were needed and I felt and saw them so strongly this year.

I’m thankful for… myself

I feel like 2020 could best be described with a love letter to myself. I waved a red flag when I needed help (which is so hard to do) and I took care of myself in really heavy ways, too, whether it be a therapist or new medicine or deep discussions with loved ones. It took a lot of getting it wrong at first and a lot of ups and downs, but I’m appreciative of all the things I’ve already listed and I’m grateful to be here, be alive, be stronger than I remembered I was. I’m really grateful to me. Truthfully, I am a work in progress and I am worthy — of love, gratitude, beauty and joy.

Wishes for a Unique Thanksgiving

I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. And, I hope that you, too, see the good and the beautiful. But most importantly, I hope that you allow yourself to have the bad days and the hard moments. This year will not last forever. These difficult times will not last forever. For you I am thankful! In you, I believe.

Happy Thanksgiving from us to you!