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Wow! It’s been 3 years and a lot has changed. I wouldn’t say that I’m a different woman now, but I can say that I’ve matured. In the last 1,095 days I’ve: completed my undergraduate degree, received my masters, moved to Los Angeles, lost a parent, failed and succeeded at things I love, broken-up, made-up, made new friends and taken chances. One of the most important things I’ve done is identify the key elements in my journey: Family, Faith, Love and Life. As I’ve gotten older, my priorities have become much clearer. Family is and will always be super important. As far as faith is concerned, I’m not necessarily referring to religion. While it could be religion or spirituality or ideals, I’ve found that it’s helpful to have a set of values that serve as a guidepost and to believe in something. Love seems to be one of the things everyone is searching for. First for ourselves and then for someone else- although some of us need time to figure out the correct order. Ultimately, I’ve found that if all of those elements are in order for me, then Life is much better.

So now that the update is complete, it’s time for me to share, for the first time in a long time, something I’m thankful for: TIME. Recently my grandmother became ill. In one day she went from being a 90 year-old woman traveling through the mean streets of NYC solo, to completely losing her independence. This summer I spent 3 weeks with her, just keeping her company everyday. I quickly realized, how grateful I am for her, the knowledge she’s given me, and the TIME I’ve been allotted on this earth. Our time is brief and if we are lucky we will have the chance to impact someone’s life in the same way my Grandmother has impacted mine. You never know when your independence will be taken from you so make use of the time you have! DON’T WASTE TIME. Live and Love fully.

So it’s that time again… What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for so many things -- Mostly for God providing a way out of no way, shining light on areas that seem so dark, and keeping me safe even when I didn't have the mental, physical or emotional capacity to do it for myself.

I am thankful for being loved by others and being able to give love to others. I am grateful for the smiles that spread across the faces of the people I love when they are happy. Their happiness is for all of us to share.

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned and the people who have taught me. I am thankful for the continuing opportunity to be stretched to new heights, depths and widths. Some learning is easy, some not so easy. It is often in our greatest moments of discomfort, embarrassment, and frustration that we learn the great lesson of humility. So, for those too, I am thankful.

I am thankful for our leaders -- all of them -- who have decided to be the face of bravery and courage.

And, finally, I am thankful for God's grace on my life -- It is because I have been forgiven so many times that I have learned to extend that same forgiveness and grace and love to others.


(Chinue)

I am thankful for a lot of things. I have had some bad events happen in the last couple of years. Regardless of the outcome of those events, I am very thankful for my family and friends who have supported me through my grief and have continued to show me that there still can be things to look forward to in life. I have tried to keep my head held high through it all and when I have fallen, my friends and family have been there to help me back up. No one should go through life feeling alone, and I know for sure, I am not alone. No one can ever know when our last moments will be for sure, so I think everyone should be thankful for the moments with the ones they love and make sure every moment is lived to the fullest. Thank you to my Super 7 and family! You are all family to me and I couldn't stand tall with out you all!

(Christina, 22)


I am thankful for my working, healthy, beautiful body and all of the things it allows me to feel and do.I am thankful for my loving, caring family, bc they have dealt with me for my whole life and are still unfailingly present.I am thankful for having a person in my life who brings out the best and purges the worst of my personality and emotions.I am thankful that I am challenged to be better and forced to regain balance. I am thankful for forgiveness and amazing patience. I am thankful for becoming open to others in new ways. I am thankful for having the ability to make someone happier, and how doing that makes me feel.am also thankful for this blog:)(asya,22)

I'm actually thankful for all the adversities placed in my life because I feel that without them I would not know how to appreciate the blessing I receive every day. I have the world of things to be grateful for. I am here to see another day, I’m not sick, I can walk, talk, smell, see and touch. When you realize how many people cannot get out of their beds because of an illness that has controlled their body or someone who cannot walk hand in hand with a loved one, you come to the realization that your problems are minute and begin to see how fortunate and blessed you are. For the fact that I am a surrounded by wonderful friends and an amazing family I can't help but name myself blessed. I am so thankful for everything and everyone who told me I couldn't make it or I’m not good enough because it gives me a chance to show them how amazing God is as he uses me to defeat all odds......I am and forever will be thankful:)
(Natalya, 18)

I am thankful for each day, sometimes I dont like it or its outcome but I know it is an opportunity to do something positive. I am greatful to have had the opportunity to be around some amazing young people everyday. Over my career, some have turned out to be a very special,well each is special. Some just touch my soul a little more. I have been blessed to travel, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am. So many people have far less material items but live life to the fullest. It is humbling and something I need to do a better job. I pray that others can live a life as blessed as I have. The place I have worked and the opportuinities of very different kinds that have been presented. Wow! The Lord has done some amazing work, we just needto take time to enjoy it (speaking mostly to my self). It might be a person, place or opportunity. Finally, I am thankful for family It is so important. It has taken me30+ years to finally understand that. Seeing my brother getting married (sister and youngest brother doing so later this year) made me realize I haven't been a great son to my parents and have taken them for granted. (Fetzer)

When I think about my life, past, present, and future I always am deep in thought because of what has happened to me in my life and because I have no idea where I am going to end up. My past has really contributed to who I am and where I am today. Sometimes I dwell on the past, and its at those moments where I do the most reflection. There are so many people struggling and suffering from famine, being impoverished, and that have no parents to call or go home to. So I have to be thankful for my life... GOD puts us through obstacles because he knows that we are stronger than we think ourselves to be. Remember the saying... GOD will never give you more than you can handle.... and that's a true statement. So as i wonder where I am going to be 10 years for now... I just hope that my life is set to where I can help people have the same opportunities that I did to be the best that I could/can possibly be. As for now, I am truly blessed to be living my life... (kbonty)

being thankful
I'm thankful for the phone call that I receive everyday from my dad,for the food that replenishes my body after a hard workout, for the sun that shines through my window as I log onto my computer, and for Brooke Turner. (kholmes, 20)
Posted on Jul. 29th, 2008 04:57 pm


Honestly, I am thankful for life. I recently went to visit my uncle in LA who is passing from cancer. After interacting with someone who is at the end of their life, I found myself reflecting on my own life. Suddenly, the situations that I'd considered problems seemed so insignificant. I may sometimes struggle, but I'm here! I woke up this morning, some people did not. I'm breathing, I'm healthy, I am loved. I am truly blessed! (Evelyn, 20)
Posted on Jul. 30th, 2008 08:56 pm

I am thankful for life's struggles. Knowing that life is a big test and full of unknowns, I wake up everyday never taking any moment for granted. To be able to set goals for your self, and have principles established so that you will be equipped while your living your personal legend keeps the days lively, it makes loving people (especially those closest to you) and yourself a priority and a blessing. When that barrier arrives it forces you to cling closer to your principles and once through that barrier comes the greatest feeling of accomplishment and courage. I have learned that my life is not supposed to be just a walk in the park, but sprinkled with hardship every now and then. That is why I am thankful for life struggles. (kellanp)

There are a few things to work out but I know understand that I've been blessed:
I'm very thankful for the amazing support system provided by my family and friends...
As long as I've had them I've been able to navigate through the tough roads.

I would like to invite anyone and everyone to post what they are thankful for (anonymously or not). There are times when each of us has become so stressed, upset, disappointed, lonely, helpless, etc that we fail to see even the small things that mean so much to us.

My hope is that this blog will help anyone when they can't find their way--- because no matter where you are in your life you have something to be thankful for-

xoxo
Brook

P.S.: Like my father said, "When you find yourself going through hell, keep it movin! You'll find your way out."

Eventually I would love to publish your responses in a book- if you don't feel comfortable with that then please put that in your posting!