Ones I Couldn’t Live Without // Thankful Thursday

Hi Friends,
In this ‘Thankful Thursday’ post, I am going to talk about all the people in my life that make it complete. I know that some people don’t have any family or close friends, which makes me incredibly sad. As much as I wish that everyone had some, I cannot change this fact. There is a quote that goes, “The best feeling in the world is knowing that you actually mean something to someone.” I think that everyone can relate to these words. I don’t know where I would be today without these amazing people in my life.


My Mom: I am lucky enough to have two amazing parents that have always loved and supported me. But my mom is truly my biggest fan. She is the Lorelei to my Rory, highly animated and the one I most want to make proud. She has never told me that I should be anyone but myself. That my differences aren’t flaws, because they make me who I am. Yes, we have had our shares of fights and disagreements, but I don’t know where I’d be today without her. I am grateful for both my parents, yet my mama will always be the type of person I hope to become one day.


My Siblings: I have 4 siblings (three older sisters and one brother) and love each of them in their own way. However, I am closest to my sister born right before me and brother. Us three have the most in common and deal with mental health issues. We support each other, and tend to get under each other’s skin like nobody else could. There have been many times we have stayed up late joking, watching shows, and having random conversations. When I was little, I wondered what it would be like to be an only child. Now I think it would just be very lonely. I couldn’t imagine a life without my siblings, and I hope that I never have to.


My Husband: I have talked about my husband in other posts, so you probably figured he’d be on this list. Our relationship was rocky from the start, and at times I didn’t think we’d end up together. But we overcame a lot, and I mean a lot of obstacles to get to where we are now. Not everyday is perfect, but I am grateful for the love we share. I know it’s cliché but I would rather spend a million tough days with him than a few perfect days with somebody else.

True, these are typically things to be thankful for, still it is good to remember the people that bless your life. Each and every one of them make my world immeasurably better, and I am a better person for knowing them. Tell me in the comments who or what you are thankful for! And please share this post, and follow the blog so that you never miss one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Books I’m Thankful For // Thankful Thursday

Hi Friends,
As a reader, I have read some amazing books – ones that have changed my life. I think that every book lover can relate to this. At least, I hope you have experienced this during your reading. I wanted to share these books I am thankful for, with you, in this post.

‘It’s Kind Of A Funny Story’ by Ned Vizzini: This was one of the first mental-health related books I had ever read. I was going through a rough time in my life, and reading this helped me get through it. It wasn’t until a few years later that I was diagnosed with bipolar, depression, OCD, and anxiety. It took me a long time to realize, and accept, that even when I think I am fine, I still need to take my medicine and continue with my coping techniques. I will never be perfect (or normal) because those people don’t exist. We are all flawed, and fighting our own battles. One of my favorite lines in the book is “Life can’t be cured, but it can be managed”. This line stuck with me, and is forever tattooed on my heart.

 
‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ by Ann Brashares: I mentioned in a tag that this was the book series that got me into reading. Although that’s probably the main reason I am thankful for this book, it also taught me something big. This book showed me how impactful a written story can be. When we watch a movie or TV show, we get to see the actors’ emotions and reactions. But books are different. We have to imagine how the character looks, and the emotions in their eyes. This story was happy, and sad at times. I think that helped my imagination open up and feel for people I couldn’t even see.

 
‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens: If you saw my ‘Coffee Meets Books’ post, then you know that this is my favorite book. I am so very thankful for this story because it tells us that people can change. This isn’t to say that all people are good – not in the slightest. But by showing someone all the things and people that they had overlooked, they could have a change of heart. Scrooge didn’t have to change. His life was in his own hands, but he chose to live each day with a grateful heart. For the first time, he saw all that he was missing, and vowed to be different because he wanted to. To me, the story proves that everyone has the opportunity to change and open their hearts to love if they want to. I will forever be grateful for the powerful story that Charles Dickens created.

 
‘Between Shades of Gray’ by Ruta Sepetys: This book is very hard hitting, and also sad. So if you aren’t a fan of sad historical fictions, I wouldn’t recommend this one. I hadn’t read many historical fictions before picking this book up. So it shocked me as to how much of an impact the story left on me. It made me incredibly thankful for my life. The characters in the books went through so many tragic events that many real people had to deal with during that time. It made me reevaluated all my problems and struggles, and realized how small they were in comparison. It helped me remember how blessed I truly am.

There you have a few of the books I am thankful for. I have read some amazing books in my life, but only a handful have touched my heart in a special way. Let me know the books you are thankful for in the comments.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny