Thanksgiving looked different for everyone this year.
I couldn’t be with my dad because he lives in an area that has been hit hard by Covid, and he decided to self-isolate so that he stays safe.
And many of you know that my mom passed away a few years ago from cancer. So this year, I spent Thanksgiving with close friends with whom I’ve been microclustering since May.
I know a lot of others have similar stories of being without certain loved ones this year on special occasions and holidays.
Despite this challenging and unique year, it’s important to not lose sight of all the good things we have in our lives.
In such a tough year for so many, I think it’s important to reflect on all we do have (I’m a glass is half full kind of person anyway).
I am grateful and thankful this year for my family, friends and colleagues, all I have and every experience (bad and good) that has made me stronger, wiser and more resilient.
I’m grateful to have a platform to help others – whether it’s teaching them to be stronger social media marketers or how to write content that clients actually want to read.
But most importantly to be able to discuss issues like how to deal with mean girls in the workplace and in your personal life at any age, picking yourself up after a setback and mental health struggles is beyond rewarding and important.
This year I’ve learned I’m more resilient than I thought, that it’s okay to not be okay and that life never goes according to plan.
I’ve learned the most important thing you can do for others is to be kind and that making others laugh is an incredible healing power (hence the turkey skirt that I wore on thanksgiving pictured here). 
I’ve also learned that you can come up with a million excuses for why you should wait to (or not) do something, and how your gut always will guide you in the right direction.
After adding Lucy to my life in July, I knew right away she would be happier in a home where she was not the only puppy. She needed constant interaction and playtime from someone other than me. I decided to get another puppy, despite my family and friends saying I was crazy for doing it and that it was too soon.
Scarlett joined me and Lucy last week, and I know in my gut it was the right decision. (She and Lucy are my CFOs – Chief Frenchie Officers 🙂.) I had to silence the naysayers (who meant well and had my best intentions at heart), and I had to believe that I could make it work. Remember, the only person who knows what’s best for you is YOU!
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday in spite of a challenging year. This too shall pass, and we are in it together.