Grateful 23.

Recently I turned 23 years old. Crazy. No more Taylor Swift’s 22 playing as an anthem. However, one thing that is strange is I didn’t know how to feel on my birthday… I wasn’t excited but I also wasn’t sad, just felt normal. So naturally, I thought of a way to help this new transition of age by writing 23 things I am grateful for, as I have turned 23. 

1. I have been blessed with another year to grow and learn more about the world and about myself.

2. I have the opportunity and capability to be picky. By this I mean, I am allowed to choose what foods I don’t want to eat. The clothes I want to wear or the shoes. I can choose where I want to sleep, or shower. I am privileged to be able to be picky.

3. I have an amazing boyfriend who treats me to higher standards than I made. He keeps me accountable in the most loving manner possible. Plus, he loves my cooking ;)  

4. I have people in my life that are the friendships that make me cognizant of the world around me, and make me care. They are the people who make me, like literally make me, be a better and nicer person. 

5. I have a job in which I can grow, learn, and make mistakes. Plus, it’s flexible in a way that if I’m having a low mental health day, I can take that day to better myself.

6. I am allowed to believe what I want, when I want to…

7. I’m allowed to try new hobbies or self care things. Right now it’s fitness, skin care, crocheting, and organizing. 

8. I am still in school, but I can do it at my own pace. (kinda)

9. I have many places I can escape to, to work, read, or just sit in the world’s presence. 

10. I have the most annoying but loving dog ever, who forces me to think outside of myself.

11. I have a roommate that is my best friend/Sister, who holds me accountable but also allows me to slack off just enough.

12. I have access to clean, DRINKABLE water…. If you are confused, educate yourself. 

    1. https://www.michigan.gov/flintwater/ (Flint, Michigan Water crisis that has been happening since 2018)

    2. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/01/03/hawaii-upholds-order-requiring-navy-to-drain-fuel-tanks-at-center-of-water-crisis/  

    3. Many, many more…

13. I am allowed to make mistakes, and learn. I am thankful for the ability to grow in whatever way I choose for that day.

14.  I have supportive parents, and family.

15. I have the ability to dream, and achieve those dreams.

16.  I can choose whether I cook for dinner, or be lazy and pick up dinner.

17.  I am allowed to dress how I want…

18.   I live within a place where I can choose how I want to live. 

19.  I am a leader to those around me, and an influence to those I care about.

20. I am no longer Vaping. It’s an issue many teens, and young adults have picked up. I am guilty, but I am working on staying clean.

    1. https://www.thetruth.com/depressionstick?cid=vap_search_googlepaidsearch_brand_stick

21.  I am loved beyond measure, by those around me, our creator, and myself. 

22. Those small moments in which I take advantage of are simply just living, but there is so much joy these moments bring that once they are gone it leaves you wondering what is missing.

23.  The ability to travel, and enjoy places with friends and the one I love.

There are so many things to be grateful for. This is just the long winded list. I want you to sit down and write at least five things that you are grateful for, and you’d be surprised when they just keep coming.  

 “What a precious privilege i

It is to be alive 

To breathe, to think,

To enjoy, to love.”

-Marcus Aurelius