I’m going to be honest, Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. It hasn’t been for a while since my birthday sometimes falls on the holiday, and there have been times where people forget my birthday because the holiday takes precedent. I’m thankful my birthday was yesterday.
But this year, I’m thankful for many things. I honestly don’t even know where to start with my list this year. Do you have all day? No? Fine, I’ll name just a few.
Let’s start off strong: I’m thankful for my wife. I wouldn’t be where I am this year without her. She has helped me grow into the man I’ve always been, and she really showed up for me mentally, emotionally, and physically. I’m reminded every single day why I married her.
I’m also thankful I had the privilege to physically transition back in March. This is not always the case for trans people. Insurance doesn’t always cover medical care and if you don’t have insurance it’s expensive. I will never take my transition journey for granted, and I’m grateful every day for the way it has changed my life, despite the constant protests against it. That was a battle in itself and I chose myself in the end.
I’m thankful for my chosen family whether they’re blood or not. Having a community around me of people who are accepting and nice and wonderful and want to see me succeed are people I will have around forever. I’m grateful for people I’ve reconnected with and new friends I have made.
Not on my list every year, but especially this year, I’m thankful that I grew a backbone. I’m proud of myself for putting a halt to the people pleasing and deciding I was worth choosing myself over others. I’m grateful I’m learning to put me and my happiness first despite backlash from others. This life is mine and it’s about time I realized I’m the only one in control of it.
I’m grateful I learned a lot about myself. I’m thankful for the hardships and the lessons I was taught this year. It’s made me who I am, and pushes me to be a better version of myself.
I’m thankful for many things. Some small, others not so small. Most importantly, I’m grateful to be alive to experience this life I have. I think it’s important to slow down and count your blessings. To remind yourself you are surrounded by good. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder. I’m thankful that I made it to 29, and I have the whole next year to look forward to.
Time to eat some pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
