Thanksgiving

It has been about 3 weeks since my last blog post...the longest in between posts since I started blogging. It has been a few weeks of big shifts and big emotions for me. I left my job, started a new one, and spent Thanksgiving with my side of the family for the first time since I was a kid. I am still processing the emotions around quitting my job so I will save that for another time with more perspective. But in the meantime, I am so very grateful for so much and would like to share those thoughts in this space:) In no particular order...

I am grateful for my side of the family. Since my husband's family lives in the same city as we do and they have always wanted to be really involved with our girls, we don't spend much time with my side. There are so many benefits to having extended family support and I am really grateful for it, but I do miss my side. When I see them it is usually for an event or a quick weekend visit, but it fills my heart and reminds me of pieces of myself that I sometimes don't see, We have this sense of humor that just picks up where we left off and all these inside jokes. It makes me feel like I am at a childhood home even though I never had one. I am grateful that my family made a place for me last minute, that they catered to my pescatarian diet, and that they let me be a part of their weekend. I am grateful that their wives make me feel so welcome.

I am grateful for my new job. It has only been one week, and a short week at that because of the holiday weekend. The partners and staff have been welcoming and approachable, my office is comfortable and cozy, and the experience has been really positive. It makes me excited to work hard for them.

I am grateful for my old job. I learned so much there and they spoiled me with opportunity. It was one of the most challenging years of my professional life and it stretched me in ways I am proud to have thrived in. The people I met there taught me so much.

I am grateful for my beautiful friend who sent me flowers for my first week on the job. She has no idea how much that meant to me. I had a really emotional week the week before and was still dealing with a lot of feelings right on the surface.

I am grateful for my husband who is helping me make better choices with diet while I am dealing with low iron and fatigue from emotional overload and all this change. He even made me a beautiful salmon salad for lunch one day this week.

I am grateful for my incredible daughters. And to be raising them in Canada where they are free to express themselves and be who they are.

I am grateful to my parents inlaw for their help with the girls after school, it makes our lives so much easier. I am grateful that we don't have a yard in our new home yet because it forces me to be a better dog owner and a more active person, walking our dog as a part of my routine.

I am grateful for my friends and family who have been there for me these last two weeks when I really need it. Sometimes I am good at hiding what an emotional mess I can be, but not these last two weeks.

Grateful beyond measure for all this and so much more.

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

-Amanda