5 Things I’m Thankful For

This week’s The Fit Dish (hosted by Jessica and Jill) theme is An Attitude of Gratitude! I’ve kindasorta written about it before previously:

attitudeofgratitude

So instead, I’m going to expand on that and talk about 5 things I’m thankful for!

I don’t say it enough, but I’ve been incredibly blessed with the people in my life. There is no way I could ever repay them (nor will they ever let me), so I always try to pay it forward.

tfd5thingsi'mthankfulfor

Family/Friends

My dad is unfortunately not in this picture because he's taking it! :O

My dad is unfortunately not in this picture because he’s the one taking it! :O

It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my family and most of my closest friends, but without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They’ve been there every step of the way to encourage and support me, and of course, to douse me with some reality and/or tough love every here and there (e.g. most recently, my dad’s voicing of his concerns that I have already become and will forever stay a cat lady)…but it’s all in good fun! I love and miss them. <3 I get to see some of them in just a little over a week though!!! :D!!!

supahspeshalawsum

<3

Please Save A Cat

This fits under “family” too. Linda is like my other mom, and Scott is like my other older brother who occasionally threatens to drop a bomb on a very specific part of the house when I send him a [joking] text saying that I ate his food in the fridge.

I started volunteering here in April of 2013, and the following year, Linda asked if I wanted to move in, free of charge, so I wouldn’t be in as much of a world of debt in regards to my astronomical student loans. She even took off a day of work to help me move.

Aka how I came to legitimately live at a cat rescue.

psaccats

Please Save A Cat is my home base in West Virginia, and despite being on clinical rotations for the past 1.5 years, I’ve been going back whenever possible (every few weeks) to help out. Linda is one of the nicest ladies I will ever know, and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. (My livelihood is also forever grateful.) I’ll be spending Thanksgiving here this year! :]

My Churches in Lewisburg + Ashland

I am continually amazed by the human capacity for kindness. When I was completing my first two years of medical school on campus, a lady at my church offered to cook each week’s worth of meals for me, so I wouldn’t have to worry about preparing food and could just focus on studying. I didn’t actually take her up on that because I felt like I’d been freeloading, but just the fact that she even offered was really touching.

They’ve offered me food, help with running errands, a place to stay, thrown me a birthday party…the list goes on and on. (Un-church-related, but my landlord actually came to stand in as my family at my white coat ceremony because my family couldn’t be there for it!)

jeffra

One of the families at my church in Ashland has also all but adopted me into their family. My friend (aka their son) jokes that they tell me about family functions long before the word ever gets to him, and I got to spend an early Thanksgiving + Christmas with them last year. They even included me in their gift exchange! <3

ffbday2015

Twirly Girls Pole FitnessPhil Clark’s Martial Arts Academy

Review of TG | Review of PCMAA

badazzwkshp

I have been absolutely spoiled by these two places, so much so that I’m honestly a little concerned that I’ll never find another studio/gym this welcoming, friendly, and all-around awesome. They are true hidden gems, located in Pleasanton, CA, and Ashland, KY, respectively. I think of Bel and Phil as family, and if I could take both these places to wherever it is that I end up, I would do so in a heartbeat…if I weren’t opposed to uprooting businesses. So instead, I just reallyyyy wish I could teleport.

Phil Clark's Martial Arts

I tend to leave this place at times looking like someone took a baseball bat to my legs, but I’m going to miss it here so much!! :[

I will be back in CA in less than a month(!!!), so I’ll get to hit up TG again soon (it’s been 4 years since I’ve been able to go regularly).

I’m also really sad to be leaving PCMAA, but last week, I [finally] got to meet Rhalan Gracie!!! I missed his seminar last year because my preceptor had 36 patients in the afternoon, and I most definitely did not get out in time. I was all sorts of devastated, but better late than never! He apparently teaches classes about 30 minutes from my home in CA, so it looks like I’ll be bringing my gi back after all! :D!!!

rgohemeffgee

My heart may or may not have skipped a beat when I saw this. :O! The fangirl status is strong.

This Blog

Full-on sap mode! Despite the fact that I’ve been uprooted all over the place (I’ve lived in 7 states over the last 4 months) and go months at a time without seeing a single familiar face…I haven’t felt quite as alone as I thought I would.

The reason?

It’s because of you, my lovely readers! :]! Med school can be extremely alienating, especially when it comes to 4th year, but I love being able to keep up with your lives through your blogs/social media and in the comments! The friends I’ve made through the blogosphere make me feel like I’m still taking my friends along with me wherever I go. <3 (Portable friendships for the win!)

So here’s to all of you! Thanks so much for being in my life! <3

I’m linking this up the Blogsgiving linkup too!

Beauty and the Pitch | Lipstick and Brunch | The Pace | Faith Haller
Thankful Heart Linkup


  • What’s something that you’re thankful for?

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/5-things-im-thankful-for/

46 comments

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  1. Aww, loved this post! This has been a rather ‘tumultuous’ year for us, too, although we only made one international move….the complete undeserved kindness of others just makes life awesome when it otherwise wouldn’t be so awesome. Glad you have so much to appreciate even as you’re getting ever closer to the end of education and training and all the craziness that comes with that.
    Rachel G recently posted…Big News! From Blogger to…My Profile

    1. One international move is stress enough!! I’ve only been shuttling from state to state, so I can’t begin to imagine how much an international one would involve! But yes, that undeserved kindness–it restores my faith in humanity every time! <3 I like to think that when times get tough, remembering what I have to be thankful for makes it easier to get through! :]

  2. Love this. With as much traveling as you do, you have to find ways to stay grounded, otherwise it would never work out. Though some of these “things” are places–in the end, it is so obviously about your connection to the people!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Why I Freaking Love ThanksgivingMy Profile

    1. Agreed! It gets tiring, but I definitely think the little trips in between to visit friends and/or explore new places as mini-vacations help a lot! :] My connections to the people in my life are what make it an awesome one to live! <3 I don't know where I'd be without em'!

  3. So much to be thankful for! Love this holiday that allows you to take a moment and reflect!
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Sauteed Kale and Butternut SquashMy Profile

    1. Very much agreed! <3! It's my favorite holiday! :D

  4. This is such a lovely post Farrah! Thank you for sharing it with us! I really want to volunteer at a cat shelter, and this has really inspired me to find one nearby! So lovely that Linda let you stay with her. Yay for cyber friendships too!!! <3
    Harriet Emily recently posted…apple, pear & berry crumbleMy Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Harriet! I hope you find one nearby! :D I couldn’t volunteer at the animal shelter because I’d want to bring them all home with me so they wouldn’t have to be euthanized, so I sought out the animal rescues in town! <3 I'm so glad I met her! :]

  5. I feel you on seeing family… we live across the US from our family and we only see them once a year if we’re lucky. But Facetime, emails, texts, phone calls all help! And I’m thankful for your blog, too, because I love reading it! :) Happy Thanksgiving week!
    Rachel recently posted…Training Recap: Happy Thanksgiving Week!My Profile

    1. I feel ya on that as well! I usually get to see them once a year, but this last year, I spent my vacation studying (sigh). I’m so thankful for technology, and for your blog! :] So glad to have “met” you through there! :D

      Happy Thanksgiving week to you too! <3 I hope you have an awesome one!

  6. I love the attitude of gratitude!
    Divya recently posted…[Giveaway] Nektar Honey CrystalsMy Profile

    1. Me too! <3

  7. I am always thankful for family and friends. I don’t know what I would do without them.

    ♡♡
    xoxoBella
    Bella B recently posted…Glowing, Healthy SkinMy Profile

    1. Me too! <3

  8. So much sappiness, I love it! ‘Tis the season. :) I’m very thankful for a blogging buddy like you, Farrah. And our mutual adoration for all things cats. Ha!

    1. Indeed it is! :]! I’m so glad to have “met” you through the blogging world! :D Still hoping someday that an actual meetup will happen! <3

  9. Love this, it reminds me so much of all the reasons I have loved blogging and meeting others in the community, AND also held on to the nearest and dearest friends throughout life even if they’re far away.
    Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Race to Deliver 4M and Finishing the 9 + 1My Profile

    1. Same same! :] Technology makes life a lot easier in that respect! <3

  10. Great post :) I’m absolutely thankful for my family too. And my martial art school. And my blog ;-) Plus some other things. Life is all sorts of better (and even miraculous) when you practice gratitude as a habit for even the smallest things.
    Alex recently posted…Gift Guide for the Fashion LoverMy Profile

    1. Agreed! <3 There's so much to be thankful for--it makes life that much better when we take time to remember and appreciate em'! :]

  11. My family – beyond thankful for them, BEYOND AND BEYOND!! I don’t talk to them that often, and they have NO IDEA what I do… But I know, they support and love me regardless. And it’s ALL about unconditional love, right?
    GiGi Eats recently posted…T-Rex Take Out, A Thanksgiving AppetizerMy Profile

    1. hahaha, exactly! My parents know I’m in med school, but my conversations with them usually reassure me that they don’t really know what I’m doing–but as long as I’ve got their love and support, all good! :P

  12. Love this post! Your blog is filled with gratitude and joy despite the tough schedule you keep – that is why I love stopping by. You lift people up. I am grateful for you and all of my awesome blogger friends :) Happy Thanksgiving!
    Erica @ Erica Finds recently posted…Tried It Tuesday: Bulletproof-ish Coffee with Wild Chocolate!My Profile

    1. Aww, thanks so much, Erica! <3 One of my name meanings is apparently joy/happiness, so I try my best to spread it! :D!

      Happy Thanksgiving! <3

  13. Awesome! Everyone looks so happy! I’m thankful for family as well, and also for the new edition to my family, my grand-daughter. She’s given me so much joy! Thanks for sharing!
    Daria recently posted…It’s Important to Give Compliments for These 3 ReasonsMy Profile

    1. Awww, congrats on your granddaughter! :] That’s awesome! <3!

  14. Love this – what an inspiring journey and reminding everyone of the kindness within people to help people and support them through their dreams! Thansk for participating in BATP’s Blogsgiving xox

    1. Agreed! They make all the difference! <3

      Thanks for coming up with blogsgiving, and I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving! :]

  15. Oh my goodness, I’ve always wanted to take a pole dancing class! I love this list of gratitude. You have a lot of love in your life!! Yay for seeing your family soon!!!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving :) :) :)
    Nina @ Hugs and Lattes recently posted…Count Your Blessings #ThankfulHeartMy Profile

    1. It’s a ton of fun! :] If you ever get a chance to take a class, I’d definitely recommend it! <3

      Thanks so much! I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving as well! :D!

  16. lovely post Farrah! Pole dancing sounds fun and you have so many amazing people in your life – thats awesome :) Also, I had no idea you were from California! Whereabouts? :D

    stop by and chat ♥
    Tianna recently posted…The Biggest Shopbop Sale of the Year!My Profile

    1. Thanks, Tianna! :]! I’m from northern California (east bay, about an hour southeast of SF)! :D

  17. Love this post! It’s so great to take some time to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Also props to you for being such a trooper with all of your moving! Way to go girl!
    xo,
    Tatum

    1. Thank you! :]! I’ve been trying to treat it like an adventure–it makes life easier! :P

  18. This is wonderful Farrah! I’m glad you’re blog gives you some extra comfort and connection in these crazy years!!! And I’m glad it allows me to keep up with you ;)
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…25 Must-Have Baking EssentialsMy Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca! :D I’m super glad to have “met” you through the blogging world! :]!!

  19. Great post, you are such a fun person and I love how much you cherish family and friendships!
    Have a great Thanksgiving this week!!!
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…2015 Holiday Giveaway HopMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Kristy! <3 They mean the world to me, even if I'm kinda terrible at showing it!

      I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving this week as well!

  20. Friends and family yes! Pole dancing huh? That’s on my list to try looks like a blast. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Thankful For My Readers GiveawayMy Profile

    1. Yes indeed! :D If you ever have a chance to try it out, I’d definitely recommend it! It’s an amazing workout!

      Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

  21. I love this post! I have a friend who does pole dancing and it seems like a great workout. I’ve never tried it (I’m kinda uncoordinated). Your church looks great too. I haven’t been a part of a church in a long time (I’m in the South and it can be hard to find one that isn’t super conservative down here). Mine meant a LOT to me in college though as far as getting through daily life and school.
    Amy Lauren recently posted…Weekly Rundown: November 16-22My Profile

    1. It’s an amazing workout! I’m super crazy uncoordinated as well (once upon a time, I tripped over a sprinkler head and rolled down my driveway! :[ ), but it’s a ton of fun anyway!

      I definitely get where you’re coming from on that. I tend to not really express my views as much here because in general, people here are a lot more conservative than I’m used to. ._.

  22. It’s got to be so hard to be away from your family! Pretty nice that you have your surrogate family! So much to be thankful for!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…This or that? Gift guide for runnersMy Profile

    1. It’s been kinda tough, but on the plus side, being surrounded by so many awesome people makes it a lot easier than it could’ve been!

  23. You have such a kind heart, and it’s evident in your blog (and this post). LOVE!
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…5 Bodyweight Workouts You Should TryMy Profile

    1. Aww, thank you so much! <3!

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