I am not normally one to give into trends, however, at this time I’m deciding to make an exception. I like the concept of listing things I’m thankful for. So here you have it!

14 things I choose to be grateful for:

1.) Friends

They make life fun, crazy, sweet, and joyful! To crazy fun car rides, in town outings, watching movies, and talking about life till 2 a.m. They see me at my best and worst. They love me and my weirdness too. I can come to them for anything.

2.) Nature

I’m thankful I get to immerse myself in His grandeur. If I could I would walk through forests for days and admire the patches of sunlight.

3.) Water

Drinking it and swimming in it. If I could I’d choose to swim in the Carribean Blue. I was a water baby and a competitive swimmer in my youth, so I definitely do consider myself to be a bit of a mermaid.

4.) Writing

I’m thankful I get to freely convey my thoughts on paper. I’m eternally grateful for the voice it has given me; a solace to stay. Although there is never a day where I don’t write and get tired from writing, If I walked away from it, I would automatically regret it.

5.) Music

Johann Pachelbel, Bach, Mozart, Andrea Bocelli, Christian Rap, 90’s rap, German Christmas music, Disney, Indie, and Folk! I’m into it all, except for metal. I'm thankful I could simply put on headphones and listen to my favorite tunes, especially if the introvert in me is really not feeling people that day.

7.) German Food

Do I really need an explanation for this? Look how amazing these dishes look? The taste is phenomenal!

8.) Fehmarn, Germany

I consider Fehmarn my second home. I practically grew up there, often going in the summers. I’d swim for hours upon hours in the Baltic Sea, walk around the island, help my Oma in the kitchen, help my Opa in the garden, and go on walks with him. I'm thankful I've gotten to go all these years.

9.) Chocolate

No words needed. I'm thankful for this sweet dessert!

10.) Chow Chows

Although I do not own a Chow (at least not yet), I'm thankful the cutest dog breed in the world exists!

11.) Vulnerability

From a Christian standpoint, being able to share struggles without judgement is what I’m thankful for as well!

12.) Learning

Learning in terms of reading, learning to better my craft, and learning in my classes is something I am grateful for! While, learning may be daunting, it does not do good to complain because those in third world countries would love to be in my shoes.

13.) My Family

I'm thankful for my Father's humor, my Mama's cooking, my sister's fun nature. They support me in all I do and I'm blessed by their caring nature.

14.) GOD

Last but certainly NOT least! He reigns forever.