For 364 days each year, I tend to focus on all of the things that are missing in my life. I figured the least I could do was take time on this day and appreciate some of the things I do have. These are but a few...
5. Northern Kentucky University
I'm thankful for NKU not just because it pays my salary. I can truly say I wouldn't be where I am today without that place. I discovered myself there. It has given me three academic degrees, lifetime friends, and the skills for a successful PR career AND a budding legal career. Simply put, I love that place.
4. Freedom
Freedom means so many different things. Yes, I'm definitely thankful for the freedoms I enjoy as an American. I appreciate the sacrifices of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the globe. I wish they could all be at home with their families eating turkey and watching football today. I'm also thankful for personal freedom, though. The last four years have been pretty rough for me (and so many of my law school friends). Nights and weekends spent studying. So many hours in the law library that you began to go crazy. It's nice to have that behind me. It's taken awhile to get readjusted to having free time to do...whatever. I never truly appreciated that until it was gone.
3. Friends
I'm thankful for all of my friends - those who I've been in the trenches with for years and years, new friends, Facebook friends...You're all great. I know that at times I'm not the best at friendship. I blow off gatherings, don't always return messages and go too long without checking in. Please know that's not a reflection on the way I value my friends. One thing I've learned through the years is that when the chips are down and you start to doubt even yourself, it is your friends and family who will be there to help you through. And to my very best friend - you know who you are - I am so thankful for you. I know sometimes I complicate things and make it difficult, but you always hang in there with me. I've only had three people in my life who I would truly call my "best friend." Each has taught me something about life and about myself. You have taught me not to question the big picture. No matter what I dare to imagine, there are forces in this world that are simply beyond my control and I'm cool with that.
2. Health
In spite of myself, I'm actually a pretty healthy guy. I'm so lucky just to wake up each morning. I greet each day with a "bleh," but it's another bleh to be thankful for. For too long I neglected my body. I'm thankful for Jim Nilson's little weight-loss challenge. Though he's cheating and will probably win, he gave me the spark I so desperately needed. I'm thankful for every healthy breath I take, and to prove it I have dedicated myself to living a healthier lifestyle.
1. My family
We've had our ups and downs, both individually and as a family. We're at times disfunctional, neurotic and stubbord, and we sometimes take each other for granted, but for my money we're the best family in the world. Our love for one another is battle-tested and unyielding. I love my mom and Karl, my dad and Joyce (and Murph, Missy, Pam, Nick, Kate) so much. The greatest joy of my life has been watching my three amazing brothers grow into good men. Billy, Brent and Tyler - no matter what happens I will always be there for you. And Casey is like the sister I always wanted. I love you too. And what would any Top 5 list be without ending on my little Chloe Bean. She's the most amazing little beautiful princess I've ever seen and she has me absolutely wrapped around her little finger. I wouldn't have it any other way.HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! I love you all.
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