Top Ten Tuesdays: Things I'm Thankful For

 

    I absolutely LOVED the TTT topic for this week, and thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving! Especially with how uncertain life seems right now, I think taking a second and remembering to be thankful for what we do have, instead of focusing on what we need or want, is something all of us should be aiming towards. I know that I have so many blessings already, and I'm wincing at the fact that I often take them for granted!

    Honestly, this TTT list may be my favorite. 😀 To see all the TTT lists I've done in the past, click HERE. 

    I could probably ramble on about this topic for several pages, but instead I just chose a few broad things to feature here, as well as a short paragraph about why I included that certain thing. Hope you enjoy the list!

Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For

(in no particular order)

1. God

Why: I'm a Christian, and especially through everything that's gone on in my life, God has always been there for me. For me, it's comforting to remember that God has the world under His control, so I don't need to worry because whatever happens is in HIS plan. That doesn't mean that I don't doubt or get distracted, but it does mean that I have hope through all the promises He gives me in the Bible. Through every high and low, He stays the same and is ready to forgive!

2. My Family

Why: I was adopted into a loving, large family, and I'm incredibly blessed to grow up in a caring, safe environment. We spend most of our time at home, so we're all pretty close. I have a different relationship with each of the members of my family. One of the best parts of my life is just spending time with them, and feeling all of the love and support they share with me.

3. Books

Why: Part of me wants to just point at my overflowing TBR list and blog as reason enough, but I feel like I owe you a bigger explanation than that. 😉 For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe space. They've been a place where I can just dive into an entirely new world and experience a life I never would've outside the pages. Sure, some books have made me mad, annoyed, or confused, but it's so worth it to burst out laughing at a snarky part, feel inspired by a couple of words, or fangirl over a series so much that the characters and world begin to feel as real to me as the room I'm typing in right now. It doesn't hurt that getting into certain worlds or characters have led to me talking to other fans, too!

4. Friendship

Why: Friendship can be complicated, but when you find the right people to hang around, it's so refreshing and freeing! During this summer I found a group of girls around my age, and I've really enjoyed getting to know them through movie nights, studying the Bible together, and just hanging out. At the same time, I've been befriending fellow writers through some online communities, and creating alongside them has been such a joy and privilege. No matter how you go about it, true friendship lifts everyone involved up.

5. Writing

Why: I've mentioned a couple of times before that writing fiction is another huge part of my life. I've already gotten some short stories published, have finished the rough drafts of three novels, and am working on a trilogy, as well as posting on this blog! My dream for the future is to become a full-time author and share my stories, whatever that will look like for me. I'm also hoping that regularly blogging on here will give me some practice with consistency, as well as give me a way to write in the nonfiction genre.

(Are you a writer, too? If so, shoot me a comment! I'd love to hear more about you and what writing means to you.)

6. This Blog

Why: Tomorrow officially marks me passing the half-year blogiversary for Stepping Stones Book Reviews! 🎂When I first started this blog over six months ago, I had no idea that posting on it would open so many ways to interact with other book bloggers, authors, and awesome people. It's really overwhelmed and humbled me that so many people are interested in the books I review and hold close to my heart. So, yes, I am so thankful for this blog, and all the ways it'll continue to grow in the future!

7. Awesome Animated Films

Why: After becoming a fairly late fan of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, and getting to see a couple more digitally animated films I've wanted to watch for years, I've started to gain a new appreciation for that whole genre of movies. It's definitely not easy to create an engaging story and stunning visuals. My favorite part about good animated films, though, is the family-friendly aspect of it all. I love how a well done movie can entertain younger kids while also making the not-so-young laugh, think, and cheer the heroes on.

8. Music

Why: Whatever kinds of music you listen to, you can't argue that music is one of the "universal languages" of mankind! I love how different songs can calm you down, get you in a more energetic mood, or just make you feel like you're understood. I love singing along to the radio with my siblings when we ride in the car. And I love how orchestras, bands, and choirs are just different music-lovers working together, using their talents to create beautiful harmonies.

9. Healing

Why: I mentioned in September's #IMWAYR that I was recovering from a major surgery. Without going into too much detail, I was very sore and bruised for a couple of weeks, and was not allowed to do anything active or chew on solid foods. It's coming up three months after it, though, and I am feeling much better! This is a huge "thank-you subject" for me because it's been a long, slow recovery, and so far I'm doing really well. 

10. Life

Why: I get that often life isn't what we want it to be. There are numerous disappointments, hard seasons, and general tough moments. But, all the same, life is a miracle! No matter what you're going through, there is always something to be thankful for. It's so fascinating and liberating to remember that we each have a purpose. Sometimes we don't know why something's happening until we look back on it. And every day that we wake up, are breathing, are here, we have something to give this world.

    Thank you so much for checking out this special post! Again, I hope you had fun scrolling through my list. 

    What about you? What are you thankful for? Do we share any of the same things on our lists? I'd love to hear what you think! If you've also participated in this TTT topic, link to your post in the comments so I can read your picks.

    Later this week, please consider joining me for more Week of Book Memes fun!

(The photos used were taken by Sasha Freemind, Kevin Delvecchio, Social Cut, Priscilla Du Preez, Thom Milkovic, Linus Mimietz, Wes Hicks, Clyde HS, and Wout Vanacker of Unsplash.)