It is that time of the year again where people eat quickly to then go shopping late into the night in the hopes of scoring a great sale. I jest. Well, Not really. But, that is not what I am here to write about today.

I seriously want to just say thank you. I am the type of person who believes that we should say thank you everyday.  On any given day, someone will have helped you in some way. Maybe it is just a smile that lifts you up. Maybe its letting your car cut in.  Maybe its sharing a story from their lives that brings you closer.   There are a multitude of ways in which someone can do something that may help you even if it is a tiny bit. Everyday, there is something for which to be thankful.

Just yesterday, I was listening to my iPod when a random song called “I’m gonna stand by you ” came on.

“Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes
And hurt, I know you’re hurting, but so am I
And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you”

I felt a twinge of euphoria when I heard this song and I pushed a tad but harder on my elliptical as a result. I am grateful to everyone that has helped me in any way, shape or form. I am also grateful to those that allowed me to help them.  For that takes a sense of vulnerability that can be scary for many.

This year, in particular, I am extremely grateful to those that have stood by me and that will continue to stand by me.  Often, in a rather cliche way, many get going when the going gets tough. However, there are those that say “bring it on” in solidarity with you.   I can’t say enough about those individuals.

There have been highs and there have been lows. We bought a house, my son turned nine and I got a dog. All of those major highs in my life.  I’ve been fortunate to travel abroad again and I was a co-author on a new peer-reviewed research article.  Despite these “highs”, 2017 was hard.  Continues to be hard. Hurricanes, cancer and layoffs have struck friends and family.  Those were mighty lows.  Hearing of so many women exclaiming #metoo has been pretty sad. This year has been rough at both macro and micro levels.  With all this going on, it is nice to have so many people that have stood by me. Leaning on others for help is not a sign of weakness. Brainstorming with others has been invigorating. I have made new friends that came into my life just as I needed them. And for that, all of what has been done this year, I say thank you.   I have come across some truly wonderful people this year who just gave to me their time, ideas and shoulder because they saw I was in need and they just wanted to help with nothing in return.

Thank you beautiful souls. And may I always repay in some way and pay it forward.