I don’t know about you, but the end of the year always puts me in a state of gratitude and reflection. Gratitude for all that has happened in the year, and in my life in general, as well as reflection for what once was and what could potentially be. I don’t think I understood just how important gratitude is in our overall lives. It wasn’t until I went through tragic times, the changing of traditions of the past, and the realization that I’m still standing that put gratitude in focus.

To be alive is a gift.

What a blessing to be here, right now, with the ability to make the most of the days, steering the ship of our lives in the direction of our hopes and dreams. Considering that Thanksgiving isn’t far away, and the season of coming together is upon us, I want to take some time to share the things I’m most grateful for in my life right now. I also want to encourage you to get clear on what you’re most grateful for right now. The beauty of gratitude is that there is truly so much to be grateful for, no matter how big or small.

Before I get into my list of things I’m currently grateful for, I think it’s wise for me to shed some light on the deep state of reflection and gratitude I find myself in. I can’t quite put my finger on the why behind my reflection and gratitude during the holiday season, but my gut inkling is that my childhood was always happy during this time. Let me add that I had a happy childhood overall (one thing I’m grateful for), but the holiday season felt especially magical to me. I didn’t understand it back then, but as a fully-functioning adult, I believe the magic of the holiday season is directly tied to our ability to give thanks for the blessing in our lives.

I think each of us always had some form of gratitude in us (whether conscious or not) during this time of year. Now, we can tap into that gratitude anytime and let it fuel positivity and a sense of self.

I feel there’s no better time to be alive than right now. I’m beyond blessed and grateful to run a business, manage my finances, prioritize my health, and nurture my friendships. And while I’ve lost both of my parents, I’m so grateful to still find comfort in the blanket of nostalgia that washes over me every holiday season. The childlike joy that comes to me during the last season of the year is something I intend to hold on to. Even if I have kids one day, I vow to keep joy brimming inside.

I want to add that I’m thankful for my current family dynamic — my brother, my uncle, and my fiancé. I’m not alone in this world, nor am I alone during the holiday season. I think about how much my parents meant to me and how much gratitude I have for my time with them . . . and that makes me think about how intentional I want to be with the family who are still physically here. What a blessing to have that awareness.

There’s a lot happening in the world, but what a blessing to be here, right now. What a blessing to be able to choose gratitude daily. What a blessing to have control over how we feel and what we do. So, I encourage you to take some time this holiday season and enter into your own state of gratitude and reflection.

Sis, what makes you feel blessed? What are you grateful for? No matter how big or small your “gratitude list” may be, treasure it. Appreciating all that God has brought to our world and taking stock of just how blessed we are is the best way to close out a season.