Thankful Thursday | on Thanksgiving

When we started doing Thankful Thursdays back in 2020, I didn’t really think about the fact that our American Thanksgiving holiday always falls on Thursdays.

But it IS rather convenient, because every year on Thanksgiving now, I can just write a regular ol’ Thankful Thursday post.

I am very much of the opinion that what you do regularly matters more than what you do once in a while (something Gretchen Rubin often says).

And my Thankful Thursday habit meshes with that; while it is good to pause and be thankful once a year, what is even better is to spend every week hunting for things to be grateful for.

So! This week, I am thankful:

that I had an umbrella in my car

Most days at college, I only go to one building. But one day this week I needed to go back and forth and all over and it happened to be a day of steady rain and wind.

So, I felt very thankful that I happened to have an umbrella in my car! For a short trek, I usually skip an umbrella, but for this much walking, I was very grateful to have one.

for an upcoming weekend with no clinicals

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I get a little break from weekend clinicals, which is very good. Because my dirty laundry is piled higher than it’s probably ever been since I moved here. 😉

for the opportunity to care for patients

Last weekend was my first time doing real, on-site clinicals, and I felt thankful that there are people who are willing to let extremely green nursing students practice on them, waiting patiently while we bumble through our first efforts.

In fact, some of them even express gratitude for the work we students are doing.

But I’m the one who feels thankful! Doing things in real life rather than just in a SIM lab is so much better for learning purposes, so I am grateful for this opportunity.

for our two fuzzy companions

Zoe and I sure do love our four-legged housemates.

Even though this one is always begging for food.

And even though this one literally bounces off the walls.

She was running down the hall the other day, jumping 2/3 of the way up the door frame, and then launching off the doorframe with her back feet.

I don’t know how she hasn’t injured herself yet!

Zoe and I always say that if Chiquita was a person, she’d probably be diagnosed with ADHD. With an emphasis on the “hyperactive” part. 😉

for the extra sunshine coming through my windows

I know we are in a darker time of year here in the northern hemisphere, but interestingly, my house actually gets more sun during the daylight hours right now.

It’s a combo of the trees being nearly leafless plus the change in the path of the sun. This means I get brilliant sunshine in my bedroom, and also more sunshine in my kitchen.

that I don’t have any car loans

I know that’s kinda random, but this week I was thinking about how glad I am I don’t have a car loan to pay. Interest rates are so nuts right now!

that a police officer let me know my headlight bulb is out

I got pulled over (for only the second time in my life!) because the officer wanted to tell me that my front headlight was out.

I’m sort of surprised I didn’t notice that it was a little darker on that side of my van…but I’m glad to know now. Time for some new bulbs!

I kinda wish my van had some way to tell me when light bulbs go out, because it sure would be nice to know if something like a brake light wasn’t working.

(Ahhh, I just googled and discovered that newer cars DO tell you when a bulb is out! So when I buy my Civic one day, I will get bulb notifications. 😉 )

for friends who listen to my frustrations and heartbreaks

I have been riding the struggle bus lately, and I am thankful for friends who listen and encourage me and tell me my feelings make sense.

Sometimes that is precisely what you need.

that next year might be easier

I was thinking about how perhaps, by the time next Thanksgiving rolls around, some things in my life might be easier and more settled. Just as I typed that, I felt a little weight come off my chest, and I took a deep breath.

for all of you

Thank you for being here. Thank you for the encouragement you all send my way. I am so grateful!

What are you thankful for this week?