Sarahritchie17 Good morning, and welcome to Genuine Sunshine Blog! This is my first ever blog post, and I’m so thankful you’re here to start this journey with me. I believe being intentional about gratitude is so important, so I want to start this blog from a place of thankfulness. (Also because it was just Thanksgiving.)
Each year, around this time of year, I write down ten things I’m thankful for. There are so many blessings in our lives that we tend to not notice in the everyday hustle and bustle. To me, the fall and holiday seasons are times to slow down and reflect. So without further ado, here is my list for 2019 in no particular order:
- Being home for Thanksgiving
After spending the past two Thanksgivings at sea working, I am so thankful to have spent this year’s with friends and family at my parents house. That’s something I will never take for granted again. - Being settled in after a big transition
This summer, I moved from St. Petersburg, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana. I started a new job and moved in with my boyfriend. No changes are easy, but they can be worth it. The past 5 months have been a whirlwind, but after the stress of moving, it has been so nice to get back into a routine and make this new place feel like home. - Being able to bike or walk to work
Now that the weather is a little cooler, but not yet frigid, it has been so wonderful to get short bike rides or walks in every day and enjoy the fresh air. - Having a paycheck to afford the lifestyle I do while saving and investing
Though I work hard for it, my paycheck will never be something I take for granted. I am so blessed that I started where I did and am continuing to grow. - Being born in America
I read the book The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates earlier this year. It brought me to tears reading the tragedies that young girls live through in other parts of the world. I am so thankful to have been raised in a culture where girls and women are empowered. - Cooking dinner together
Almost all the weeknights that we’ve been in this new apartment, my boyfriend and I have cooked dinner together. Doing so has brought so many blessings in spending that time together, saving money, and eating healthier. - Opportunities to travel
This summer I had the opportunity to visit Italy and Switzerland with one of my girlfriends. I had been dreaming of visiting Italy for years and years, so to finally go there was wonderful. I am so blessed to be able to take trips like that and see the world. - Having the courage to start this blog
I have had this on my heart for a while, and I don’t know what was holding me back. I finally just challenged myself to follow my dreams of being a writer and just start with this blog. It may seem like a simple step, but it is hard for me to put my thoughts out there for the world to judge. I am thankful for the little voice in my head that doesn’t let me give up on myself. - Podcasts
This year I became deeply interested in personal growth and self-care, and I found a few podcasts that have encouraged and inspired me on a daily basis to be the best version of myself. I am so grateful to those who are putting positive content out into the world and using their creative gifts to provide us all with beautiful lessons. - Family and friends
I know, I know. Everyone has this on their list, so it’s practically a clichè. But I truly am so so so so thankful for the family and friends I get to call mine. Each and every one of them has played a role in getting me where I am today, and I know they will continue to support me into the future (as I hope to support them). They have given me so much heartache through all emotions, the ups and downs of life, and most importantly in laughter. I pray that I can serve them as they give me so much life and goodness.
So there you have it. Those are ten of my favorite blessings from 2019. What are yours? If you don’t have time to think of 10, challenge yourself to think about just 3.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I can’t wait to share more thoughts with you all this holiday season and beyond. Follow along the journey @genuinesunshineblog on Instagram, and look for blog posts every Sunday to start your week with some sunshine!
Cheers!
Sarah
