So thankful.

Since we've moved and I have been busy with settling into our new home. And, I usually decorate for every holiday. But...I didn't for Halloween this year because I was so tired of unpacking and having my house a mess...I didn't want to create another mess to have to clean up. Which was kind of a bummer because I feel so unfestive. So, after giving myself some time to enjoy my new house, I got  the desire and energy to pull out my decorations. And, with Halloween being only a few days away, I skipped that and went right to Thanksgiving. I have to say that, one thing that Thanksgiving does is help me to reflect on all the things that I am thankful for. So, I am going to jump the gun and start early with the "giving thanks".
I feel that I am usually pretty aware of how fortunate I am for all that I have, but I don't always verbalize it. As talkative as I am, I am not good at being mushy face to face. I am much better at writing it, so that is what I'm going to do.
What I am most thankful for are the people in my life.
We'll start with my husband. This man is a rare breed! I met him when I was 19 and he was the first real relationship that I have ever been in. So, I am very blessed to not have had to deal with the relationship heartaches and nightmares that I hear about so often. We have been best friends since day one. We rarely argue and almost always see eye to eye. When we do disagree, we discuss our point of view and respect each others opinion. And, when we just can't see eye to eye, we agree to disagree. He is my rock! I can always count on him to help me when I'm having a rough day or having troubles with something. He is so compassionate and thoughtful, he genuinely wants me to be happy and never have to worry about anything. He is more than willing to help out with the kids and housework. Which is awesome! He is the kind of dad that, from the very beginning, was 100% by my side with everything involving the kids. Diapers, bath time, feeding time, play time, doctor's visits...you name it...as long as work wasn't in the way, he was there...and still is. Housework, it's the same thing. More than willing to help out where it's needed...and he gives it 110% all the time. I just love this man!! What a LUCKY girl I am!! Something that I am very thankful for is, how patient and understanding and non judgemental he has been over the past 15 years with my weight issues. At my heaviest, I was 200 lbs heavier than when we met. And, he has watched me...helpless...put on this weight and go on countless diets only to give up. He has put up with my mood swings and self esteem issues for a long time. And, he is so amazing because no matter what size I was, he always made me feel beautiful. He always supports me in every decision I make and is always there if things don't work out or I just give up. He doesn't get mad, he just comforts me and tells me everything will be ok. Yet, he still offers advice and guidance to help me to see where things went wrong or just understanding me when I couldn't push myself hard enough. I am SO thankful to have him in my life.
My parents...a constant, unconditional love and support system! I have a relationship with my parents that most kids dream of. All of my life they have been so involved in everything I do. They knew the perfect combination of giving me the freedom to learn and express myself along with the rules and restrictions of still being a kid. They treated me with respect and listened to my opinions...and they still do. I have never understood how kids can be so hateful and not want to be around their parents. I have always loved hanging out with my parents! I have so many great memories of family trips, holidays, fun day trips, going to sporting events...the list goes on and on. They have always been so supportive with all of my decisions...whether they agreed or not...they supported me. They offered their opinion and understood when I didn't listen. As a kid...and still as an adult...I have to learn for myself! Call me stupid, glutton for punishment or just determined to do it my way...that's just how I am. They have been so understanding with my weight problems and are always there to help me in any way that they can. A while back they even joined WW with me to help offer that buddy support that is so necessary when trying to lose weight. I, however, quit because it was too hard. They are always sharing recipes or things they've learned to help educate me and encourage me. One thing that both of them have always been great at is praising me and complimenting me all the time. They are fantastic at boosting my self esteem! I love them so much and I am so thankful to have been blessed with such great parents!
There are some other great people that have come into my life in the recent years that I am also very thankful for. One is my trainer Aimee.
Aimee and I hit it off from day one. She is such a kind and compassionate person. One thing that is so helpful for me is the fact that she understands the struggles of weight loss and eating. She is so encouraging and understanding whenever I am having a hard time. She pushes me and knows what I am capable of before I do. She does not treat me like just another client, she treats me like a true friend and genuinely wants me to succeed. I honestly could not have made it this far in my weight loss journey without her! She has put so much heart and time into getting my butt in shape that it would kill me to disappoint her. Don't get me wrong, I am doing this for me too. But...it is so helpful to have someone to answer to. She knows just what to say to help me understand that I am human, I will have hard times, and it's ok. Just keep pushing myself because it will be so worth it. She is a true gem and I am so thankful that I have her in my corner!
I have also made some other great friends over the years. And, some of them have really taken on an important role in my life with all of the love and support that they offer me. I am not going to name everyone...this post is already long enough! ;)  I will just say this...during any difficult, life changing journey it is so important to have great people in your life. I have been blessed with so many friends that have become such fantastic cheerleaders, I can't express enough how much that means to me!!
I think, one of the main reasons that I have been so successful with my weight loss this far, is because of all the kind words that so many of you offer. I am one that needs lots of reassurance and praise...I'm pretty needy that way. :) I am sure it can be pretty irritating to some, but, hey...at least I acknowledge it! Although...that doesn't mean that I will change it! LOL! So...with that being said, please continue to feed my neediness, and keep those compliments coming because I am very thankful for them!! ;)