Gratitude

Last day in January means time for a January blog post!

I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I have a lot going through my mind. Nothing bad or overwhelming, just a lot of random feelings and thoughts.

I did want to write about typical duties as a school psychologist, but now I kind of want to just write some things that cross my mind from time to time.

Like gratitude. I am SO grateful for the life I have been given and the life I am living. I was born into a wonderful family who have always been so supportive and loving and given me everything I needed. Sometimes that is enough to make me consider moving back to KC. That and the Royals finally being good. But I digress. Seriously, I am so grateful for my wonderful family. Miss you guys all the time even though I love my life here in Chicago.

I am also grateful for my friends. It took me a while to find close friends both in KC and in Chicago But when I find my close friends, I appreciate it every moment and will work to maintain those friendships. I was lucky enough to find life long friends in college after waiting for a long time for that to happen. I remember praying for close friends and waiting through high school and being lonely sometimes. So when I found them in college, it was the most amazing feeling in the world all of the time.

In Chicago, I went over one whole year without having friends in Chicago. It saved me a lot of money and gave me time to fall in love with the city and figure out how to be all alone without being lonely. But again, when I found my friends here (and luckily that friend group expands still at times), I appreciated it all the more. And every person I meet makes me into more of who I am and who I want to be.

So the point is, I love all of you and am so grateful and appreciative to have you in my life.

Which brings me to my last rambling thought. Self-forgiveness. Sometimes I do things and make choices that I feel that I shouldn't have made later. This can lead to regret. I'm trying to minimize feelings of regret and practice self-forgiveness and self-love. Every mistake I make I try to learn from so that I don't do it again.

So there you have it. Be grateful. Practice self-love and self-forgiveness. We are doing the best we can.

Frank, Liz, and me

Rene, Rocio, Ryan, and me at Jazzin' at the Shed

me and the lovely Ciara

With some of the best people I know

 This family loves the Royals!

with my champion volleyball team

at the playoff spot clinch in Chicago

traditions are the best