Thanksgiving is right around the corner and reflecting on what I am thankful for, of course, I think of the typical "thankful for family, friends, and food." But its the stuff I have overcome that I am most thankful for.

I am thankful to have had someone in my life wreck it as I knew it because it made me stronger. It made me grow up quicker than I needed to, but it also showed me maturity and selflessness. That taught me to forgive the person who had wronged us and to love the way Jesus Christ loves us, despite how horrible the situation was. It taught me to cherish what I have because one day your big house, or life as you know it can be taken away right under your nose.

I am thankful for the boys that broke my heart. I am thankful you cheated on me, disrespected me, and taught me what self-worth was. I am thankful my first love taught me how I should be treated and I am thankful for that so I can best prepare my far off future children on what to expect. I have learned to love myself for me and not have to depend on anyone for my happiness. I can be independent and in love at the same time.

I am thankful for being lonely at college sometimes. I used the loneliness to make friends and get myself out there to enjoy myself.

I am thankful for an imperfect life. I am thankful for being imperfect and I am thankful for every bad day, every bad conversation, every bad thought because without the bad I cannot appreciate the good.

Life has a curious way of showing us reasons to be thankful, even if we feel our world is crashing down. Someone always will have it worse than you. You are blessed, you are loved, and hopefully you are thankful.

I am thankful.