When I asked myself what I was most grateful for this Thanksgiving, my honest answer was myself.
I feel uncomfortable sharing this because I fear being perceived as self-absorbed or ungrateful for the support and good fortune I’ve received over the course of my life. However, even when I consider all of the love, luck, privilege, and head starts I’ve received along the way, I still feel most thankful for myself this year.
I’ve weathered nearly five years of complex mental and physical health issues, a divorce, a move to a new place where I did not know a single soul, and many other bumps along the way. I’ve gone from being unable to walk even 50 yards to running 12 miles at a time. I’ve gone from feeling lonely, anxious, and trapped in a life I felt obligated to live, to feeling on purpose, at peace, and surrounded by people who inspire me to be at my best. Making this shift required hours and hours of doctor appointments, physical therapy, and gym time. I endured significant physical and emotional pain. I made tough decisions and countless sacrifices. I had painful conversations and found the courage to disappoint others to heal myself.
I am living my life exactly as I want to, and I am making a meaningful contribution to the world. Because I have lived a life of extraordinary privilege, I have a tendency to undervalue my own contribution to this accomplishment. Today, I am sharing this with you to honor the tenacity, discipline, and courage I’ve mustered to make it through the last five years and to remind myself that I have the power to walk through fire. I hope this post will help others realize they have that power, too.
Onward and Upward.
