When I was growing up, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Thanksgiving. I was a picky eater. I focused on the fact that I didn’t like the food. If you don’t really like vegetables and you’re not into turkey, good old T-giving can be a tough day. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized what an incredible day it really is. I’m happy to say that now that I consider myself quite the foodie, I absolutely love all the delicious food I get to stuff my face with BUT I love even more to have a day that’s specifically dedicated to giving thanks. It’s a day focused on being grateful for all you have and to be with those you love and reflect on all that you have together.

Since being diagnosed, I have found true strength when I count my blessings. When I consciously think about all the things that I do have in life, no matter how hard the day, my mindset is always helped. It helps ground me and helps put things into a necessary perspective. So today in honor of this amazing day that is completely dedicated to being thankful, I am going to list out everything I feel so lucky to have in my life.

I am thankful for…

1. My Michael
2. My family
3. My Phoebe
4. My friends
5. My incredible doctors (especially Dr. Mandy & Dr. D)
6. The most amazing and caring nurses (especially Andrea, Rachel, Margo, Deb, Kristen!)
7. To be a patient at the most amazing cancer institute in the world— Dana Farer
8. To have a job
9. Having a roof over my head
10. Having food to eat everyday
11. Being an American
12. Living in New England
13. Being a Patriots Fan
14. Being able to practice yoga
15. Sharing a home I love with a person I love
16. Music!!!
17. My under desk bicycle
18. Having a safe car
19. Dancing
20. Technology
21. Fresh flowers
22. Queen B
23. T-Swift, in particular, “Shake It Off”
24. One Direction
25. Buddhism
26. The ability to opening my mind to alternative ways of thinking
27. Clothes & Shoes that I love
28. A working pancreas
29. Good food and being able to eat it!
30. Buffalo chicken
31. Strawberry strudels
32. Being in remission
33. Having hair again
34. Soft, fuzzy pajamas
35. Last but certainly not least, I am thankful for this blog and most importantly thankful for all the supportive and wonderful people that have followed my journey. I’m thankful that you’re part of my life and thankful for everything your support has provided me throughout a challenging portion of my life.

I hope you all have a beautiful day, and remember to truly give thanks to all that you have in your life. Even if you’re going through a tough time, try to think of at least one thing that you can feel true gratitude for — whether that is as important as another human being in your life or as simple as being able to have a glass of wine. Whatever it is you’re thankful for, be truly thankful, down to your core.

Happy Thanksgiving, loves!

Lots of love & light,

Jessy