Here we are with 1 week left until Christmas and only 2 weeks until the end of 2017, and I’m thinking about all the amazing things that have happened this year, but more importantly all of the amazing people I have to be thankful for. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believe in me, sacrificed for me and cheer me on.

One of my goals for my business in 2018 is to blog more, so it’s only fitting that I start out my first Monday Minutes blog series by acknowledging all of the people in my life that I’m thankful for.

I’m thankful for my parents and the experiences I had growing up that have opened doors for me and shaped me into the person I am today. For always sacrificing for us kids to allow us to do things like study abroad and graduate from college, become an RN (my sister) and driving my brother 3,000 miles across the country for a new job he had to start in a week. We are who we are because of them.

“I’m thankful for the people who believe in me, sacrificed for me and cheer me on.”

I’m thankful for my darling Zachary, who recognized that I had something in me and bought me my first professional camera so I could nurture the thing inside of me that my heart has always been called to. Who bought an engagement ring 3 months after we started dating, but waited to propose for another 3 years because he knew I wanted to graduate from college and he didn’t want to put anything in my way that might distract me from reaching my goals, even if it meant him waiting for something he wanted. For always being there for me, and being my rock and my best friend and for supporting me on this crazy adventure I’m on right now of building my business.

I’m thankful for my little sister who drives me to succeed, because I know she looks up to me the way I look up to her, and even though we live on opposite sides of the country, we’re always rooting for each other, cheering each other on, and of course, sending each other silly FB videos to make each other laugh.

I’m thankful for the amazing support system of strong women that I’ve been given as friends. Nicole, Katy, Katrina & Emily: I look up to all of you and admire your strengths and cheer for you to succeed. Even though we may not all live close, you all inspire me every day.

I’ve been so very blessed this year and my heart is full. I’m so excited to see what 2018 has in store for my family, for my friends and for my business. What are you all thankful for? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know!