24 - #ThankfulThursday Things you're thankful for (max. 5)

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A/N: While family/pets generally fall somewhere in this lot, I'm not going to list them. I think that those things are just ... understood. 🙂 So, without further ado, here's a list of things I'm thankful for:

1. Wattpad Friendships: ALL OF YOU! Yes, you. Sounds a bit cheesy, I know. But yeah, I wasn't at a good place in life before here emotionally and socially. Because of Wattpad, I can thank all the amazing people I've become friends with and who have helped me realize that the past is not what defines me, that I have the power to be better than whatever life has dealt. (Though, I doubt any of these wonderful women know the great influence they've had, lol) So, I'm incredibly humbled and thankful for the people who reached out to me, who were willing to give this hermit crab a chance at friendship, some even stemming from this very challenge! Thank you and enjoy this lovely holiday! ❤️

(In order of friendship made - left to right)
Monrosey, SallyMason1, TheWriterD, linahanson, MarilynAHepburn, RachaelMole, EliciaHyder, Lucyface, AnaSimons, LeighWStuart, HardeeBurger, LizCharnes, kraftygal, tamoja, JessieHazel, krazydiamond, Squeaks7, and prose-punk.

2. Teachers: As a middle schooler, I seldom chatted in length to my peers as I had never quite clicked with them well. Teachers became my companions, so to speak. They liked talking to me, and I equally, they. So, I must acknowledge them because the job they do is so thankless but impacts so many. To all of you educators out there (of anything) I thank you for dedicating a part of your life to this public service! 😘

3. Humor: I full-heartedly admit that my life would be hella dull if I didn't have my daily dosage of laughter. So, I thank comedy for the joy it instills, for putting a smile on my face, for ... being the one thing (non-living noun) accessible 24/7 that I can count on to lift my spirits.

4. Love: I sure as nuggets don't feel loved all the time and I know that derives from past experiences of hurt. However, I'd be remiss to deny that it is also my own doing - my hesitance to reach out and let people close is very well a reason. *Shrugs* Despite lacking in this department, I'm thankful that love exists out there! 😁 Many of you are testimonies to the authenticity of this ... phenomenon (?) One day I might find it ... I certainly hope so! 😊 To prevent getting all mushy on you, I'll leave you with this:

5. Being Me: Sounds conceded af, so let me explain. I am thankful for who I am - just as I'm thankful that you are you. I'm thankful I don't want to be someone else - that I am content with myself. Is that such a bad thing to be thankful for?

"I'm thankful for my growth and for standing in my truth ... I'm thankful for the challenges that helped shape and mold me into who I am becoming. I'm thankful for seeing myself through others so that I can become aware of the things that I need to work on. ... I'm thankful for the times that I fall and slip back into old patterns and behaviors. I know that doing this shows me what is still present and needs to be worked on." 

In the external links (and comments section), I have attached an article called "Being Thankful for Me" by Marquita Smith, where the above quote is from. I urge you to read it and absorb it, to be thankful for yourself, too. 😘
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marquita-smith/being-thankful-for-me_b_8632922.html