Today, I'm Thankful For...

This single mom life.
As stressful and trying and somewhat difficult it may be at times, it is exceptionally interesting and quite amazing. I'm not only helping to grow Aiden into the person he is supposed to be, but I'm also growing into the person that I'm supposed to be. This may sound weird, but I can feel myself growing, mentally, spiritually, emotionally.

Growing pains. And growth.
I've certainly outgrown many of the things of my past, but haven't quite grown into many of the things of my future. I'm getting there though. The growing pains aren't always fun, but they're necessary. They push me out of my comfort zone and make me better.

Work.
My new job as Dean of Students at an elementary charter school is absolutely busy, absolutely stressful, absolutely demanding, and absolutely rewarding... all bundled up in a neat bow. It's not easy to coach teachers, direct school culture in every way possible towards positivity, manage 433 students, and build relationships with their parents, but I love that I get to wake up every morning and do the most important work.

Friends.
I'm single. But I'm not alone. (I have Aiden.) And I'm not lonely. The past two weeks have been very stressful for me, and I've been feeling the effects of it physically. Not good. But, Saturday nights with the homies and Sunday brunch with my lovelies have been the perfect cure. I'm blessed to have wonderful friends. I really am. (By the way, I'm also thankful that I have enough self-awareness to know when I need to take a break and relieve some stress. It wasn't always like this.)

Aiden.
He's quirky. He's rambunctious. He's funny. He's clever and witty and smart. He's got so much personality and such an old soul. I didn't know love until I met Aiden. He teaches me how to be brave and bold. He teaches me patience. He teaches me humility and how to ask for help. He makes me better. He makes my life better. 

This community.
As I said before, I'm single, but I'm not alone. And I'm not lonely. I've found so much joy and purpose in this community. I've found inspiration. I've found friendships. Every single time I've shared with you, I receive comments and emails and messages from you all. You share your stories. You describe your journey. You tell your tales. And they inspire me and encourage me to keep on keeping on. All. The. Time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. A million times... thank you.