Today is Thanksgiving in Canada, and naturally social media is flooded with posts about what everyone is thankful for. Instead of posting a drawn out Facebook status, I figure I’ll write about my thankfulness here.

First of all, I’m thankful for my three curly-haired minions. They can drive me up the wall, but my life has changed for the better since becoming their mama.

I’m thankful to those who have helped me navigate life as a single mum. It’s been a lonely, bumpy, uphill road, and I couldn’t have done it without you.

I’m thankful to have just been able to reconnect with friends and to have been back in Chicago, a city that holds a huge piece of my heart still. I grew so much during my time in Chicago and made ever lasting friends who aren’t afraid to have a few laughs at my expense, or talk to strangers with me at 1 AM.

I’m thankful to have access to incredible health care. Firstly, for keeping my girls safe in my tummy and every day after, and secondly, for the ability to have Ella attending an amazing school and therapists.

I’m thankful to have spent yesterday with extended family and to still have my grandparents in my life, especially thankful to see my kids’ relationships with them. Ella and Great Grandma chatted about earrings, as ya know, you do.

I’m thankful to be employed in the field I am extremely passionate about. Social work is in my bones, and it’s hard to imagine doing much else.

I’m thankful for friends from all walks of life who allow me to be myself. Especially thankful for friends who are truly more like family.

I’m thankful for my city, so full of beauty and grace and history. Thankful to be raising my kids where I grew up and embarking on many memories.

Lastly, I’m thankful for remembering to be thankful. Some days the sun is hard to find behind the clouds and it can be easy to get stuck there. And that’s when you need the people in your life to pull you into the warmth.