It’s Thanksgiving! This whole week was dedicated to certain people who have truly impacted my life in one way or another. You’re probably thinking I missed a few… like my family, DUH! Well, it’s not over yet. Just wait.

I’m thankful to have learned what it means to be grateful. Through gratefulness, you learn what it is to be humbled and appreciate what you have, regardless of your current state in life. I lived years with being ungrateful with the blessings I’ve been given. I’ll give you a couple examples and hopefully you learn from my mistakes that regret is something you want to avoid at all costs.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

Epicurus

• I lived in two beautiful houses when we moved to Florida. I had my own room, we had so much space, and it was OUR home to do with as we pleased. I never cherished the time I spent in those houses or enjoyed what we never had in prior years. I never made it home. We ended up losing our first house when the recession hit and moving away from our second one to start from zero in New Jersey. All the memories I made prior to moving are a blur; special occasions, holidays, everything just has a big question mark with a sad face attached to it.

• My grandmother used to live with us once a year for a few years. Anybody who has a living grandparent knows what a blessing it is to still have them in their lives. I had the opportunity to cherish her in more ways than one… but I didn’t. Now that she’s gotten older and has moved to Colombia, things just aren’t the same anymore. The only time I get to cherish her are when we get the chance to visit her or see her through Facetime… but that’s all I can do.

• Had I cherished my love for writing, I would’ve followed my heart and studied for that. I may be following my dream now but let’s just say things would be a little different had I taken another path. But what I want to emphasize for all of you is how important it is to be grateful every day.

Take every moment you’re given be present

This post isn’t just for my Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s for everyone who wants to avoid that horrible feeling of longing and regret. Take every moment you’re given and be present. Just be present and embrace every feeling you encounter. Embrace the people for that matter, literally and figuratively. I’ve been so blessed with my family, my friends, my life, my journey. I’m thankful for my God and what He has planned for my future.

And I’m thankful for every person who’s reading this post. For everyone who I have met and am going to meet through Triumphant. Thank you for the support, for the love and for being a part of my story.