Finding Gratitude 

Hello, beautiful ladies!

With the holidays near, today, I want to pause and share a heartfelt reflection on the people and passions I hold closest to me. When I think about gratitude, I don’t just feel it, I see it in every aspect of my life. From my faith to my family, my friendships, and even my love for plants and photography, I’m reminded daily of just how blessed I am. So, here’s a little window into what I’m most grateful for:

First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful to my parents. Not just for being great parents, grandparents, and my best friends but for introducing me to my faith. Growing up, they were my rock, instilling values and traditions that have carried me through life’s highs and lows. I am sure they don’t feel that way because I did give them plenty of headaches as a teenager. Their guidance wasn’t just in words but in action, I slowly learned how faith could be a source of strength and comfort, especially during difficult times… thanks to them. Because of them, I have a place to turn for peace, a compass for my decisions, and a source of comfort in times of uncertainty. This faith they handed down to me is one of my life’s greatest treasures, and I’m endlessly thankful for it.

Where My Heart Finds Joy

Family is where I find my joy, and I’m endlessly grateful for my husband. His love and support are a true gift. He’s my partner, my friend, and my constant through life’s highs and lows. The life we’re building together with our children fills me with purpose, laughter, and love. Knowing I have him by my side gives me strength and reminds me of the power of love and partnership. My family is my whole world, and there’s a unique magic that comes with having a partner who’s always there to lean on, especially when life gets chaotic. And my kids, oh, they bring me such a mix of joy, challenge, and purpose that I couldn’t have imagined. Watching them grow and being part of their journey is both humbling and inspiring. Every little milestone they reach reminds me of how fast time flies and how important it is to cherish the present. Being a mother is one of my life’s greatest blessings, and my heart overflows with gratitude for my kids. They fill my days with laughter, growth, and a love that words can hardly capture. They teach me to be present and appreciate life’s simple, beautiful moments. Watching them grow and guiding them is an honor that I’m thankful for every day. My family is my grounding force, always pushing me to be the best version of myself. For that, I am deeply grateful.

Chosen Family

Friends are the family we choose, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the wonderful friends who fill my life with laughter, warmth, and understanding. These are the women who have been with me through thick and thin, who know me inside and out. With them, I don’t have to put on a brave face, we laugh until we can’t breathe, cry when we need to, and share dreams and secrets in the way only true friends can. They’re my cheerleaders, and sometimes, the ones who remind me to laugh at myself. Through every season of life, they’ve been there, and I am so blessed to call them my friends.

Finding Joy In My Plants

And now, something that may seem small in the grand scheme of things but brings me immense joy: my plants. There’s something so satisfying about nurturing life, watching it grow under my care. It’s taught me patience, mindfulness, and the simple joy of being present. In tending to my plants, I’ve come to understand that growth, whether in plants or ourselves, takes time and care. It’s a small way I connect with nature each day, even when life feels too busy to pause. When I water them or see new leaves unfurling, I’m reminded of how beautiful slow, steady progress can be. My little green companions are a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the small wonders of life.

Moments Captured, Memories Cherished

Capturing moments through photography has been one of my greatest passions. Which Andrea and I have been doing together since 2012 together. I’m incredibly grateful for this creative outlet, which allows me to save memories, tell stories, and find beauty in the world around me. Whether it’s a snapshot of my children, weddings, the intricate detail of a blooming flower, or candid moments with friends, photography helps me see life with fresh eyes. It allows me to pause, take in the moment, and save these moments in the moment. Through photography, I can look back and feel the gratitude of each memory over and over again.

Where Do You Find Your Gratitude?

Each of these parts of my life has helped shape who I am. My parents gave me my foundation, my family gives me purpose, my friends give me joy and support, my plants give me peace, and photography allows me to capture and hold onto all of it. They are all interconnected, each a piece of the larger mosaic that makes my life whole.

I’m grateful for the journey that has brought us all together, for the chance to grow, laugh, and find meaning alongside women as inspiring as you. Thank you for being part of my journey, and for giving me even more reasons to be thankful every day. In sharing this gratitude, I hope to remind us all of the beauty in our lives and the power of our connections. You all give me even more reasons to be grateful every day!