Last year around this time I did not feel like being grateful. Even worse, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, as I had plenty to be thankful for. Still, I had just lost my grandmother and her Celebration of Life was on Thanksgiving Day. This event should have helped put just about everything in perspective. Instead, my mortality felt heavy. All I could do was focus on what I hadn’t done, things I had or had not said, and stupid resentments I just could not let go. I was so angry at my business. It was the thing that kept me from seeing my family, had isolated me from my girlfriend, and had cost me a number of friendships for various reasons.Three hundred and sixty-five days later and boy did the universe show me. I wish 2017 me knew what 2018 me had in store. To help all the future me's appreciate the good years, I purchased this amazing journal from Penny Post with a commitment to document all of the events of the year. That way, if during 2019 Thanksgiving I’m feeling more grumpy and less grateful, I can refer back to it.So, in lieu of a food post, as the majority of you out there reading this have unbuttoned your top button by now (or at least I hope you have), here, for public consumption, is my gratitude list for 2018. My hope that if you are struggling to feel thankful this year, which is absolutely okay, you might be encouraged that next year everything could be different. 

My girlfriend, Lindsay.

I cannot remember what life was like before her, and I don’t even want to think about my future without her.

 

My family.

While not always perfect, we always show up for one another in one way or another. And even though it is not always perfect,I’m grateful to have them to complain about. Just kidding, family. Or am I?

 

The amazing female business owners, executives, and managers in Alexandria.

This tribe of women has held me up, cheered me on, patroned my business, given recommendations for vendors,and sent their families to us. They work so hard to make sure our City is thriving.They sacrifice all of it and I am humbled to be their peer.

 

The Stomping Ground Team...

who after three years, continue to deliver day after day, week after week in a challenging buildingnot cut out for the restaurant we are. I am in awe.

 

My friends...

for the meaningful connections that these relationships bring and for the calling of the bullsh-t they offer (without invitation).

 

Matte red lipstick, the hair-drying turban from Bellacara, and fake lashes.

 

The kids' section at Penny Post.

 

Megan Brown’s Pilates Boot Camp, Mind the Mat yoga, and SoulCycle.

 

For the folks who come into our shop to give us a try, and for those we see everyday.

I cannot find the words to thank you for your support. I’m floored that you come in, I’m floored that you pour support into us,I’m floored that you care so, so much. I am grateful to you. Every. Single. Day. You make the sacrifice easier.

 

A community that has wrapped its arms around me.

 

Sparkling water, coffee, Sparrow Lane Vinegar, brown butter, Duke’s mayo, cranberry in a can.

 

For the humble biscuit. It has power.

 Life is a one-lap race. Some years we are grateful, some years we aren’t. For those of you struggling this year, thank you for your honesty. The hard years put all the future blessing in perspective.This was a happy Thanksgiving.Happy Holidays.