The holiday seasons are such an amazing and magical time- I’m especially thankful to have been able to be here in Tucson with my family for 3 years in a row (3 years!!! Lucky girl). While I always enjoy the seasonal delights, time spent with family and friends, and of course, the fantastic holiday feasts, I always use the holidays as a point for reflection. It’s the perfect time to assess my goals, the accomplishments of the past year and look forward to what the next has in store.
In some ways, this year is exactly the same as last year, and in other ways, it’s entirely different. I try to have an attitude of gratitude everyday -pausing to be thankful at various points through the day, especially when things are hectic and crazy- and it helps to keep me present and keep things in perspective.
Here are 22 things I’m thankful for this year:
(in no particular order- tried to space out the serious, heartfelt and silly stuff)
1. My family. You may have picked up on this through the blog, but my family is pretty incredible. The fact that they had a party in the hospital lobby waiting for Livi to be born, for hours and HOURS, says a lot about the kind of people I’m fortunate to be related to: they support and love each other, no matter what. My family has been especially amazing during this first year with Liv, and even though I’ve had to spend some time and distance away, I’ll keep the memories of the time we were stationed in Tucson and our first home here as a really blessed period in my life.
I’m also grateful for the comedy my brothers provide.
2. Our house. After being renters together and our condo and apartment woes, it still doesn’t feel real that we own a home. We can paint it, upgrade, renovate, do whatever we want with it, but I have to say the very best part is opening the door for Bella to run around in her own backyard.
3. Goat cheese, chocolate, and egg burritos <— my staples trifecta. I have at least one of the three every single day 
4. Friends: lifelong, work, squadron, teaching friends and blog friends. For the ones who are far away, it seems like no matter where we are, or how long it’s been since we’ve talked, we pick up where we left off. I’m also so thankful that we have friends wherever we’re stationed, thanks to the A-10 community being so small.
5. My kindle. I’ve told the Pilot many times that it’s one of my favorite gifts he’s every given me, as I use it almost daily. I love how convenient it is to download and read new books, borrow and lend books, and easy to stash away for the random times Liv falls asleep in the car (instead of wasting a nap, I’ll sit and read in the car for a while).
6. Livi. Sometimes I can’t believe how good to be true she is- she makes me heart and days so much more full and happy.
(I can’t believe how little- and bald!- she was in that photo)
7. Almond butter, especially the Justin and Nuttzo varieties.
8. Bella. She’s been with me through a lot -cross country moves, deployments, finishing college and vacations- and is the queen of our house I hope she’s secretly immortal.
9. The Tucson mountains. They’ll never get old to me- I’ll always be amazed by how gorgeous they are.
10. Yoga. It always has a way of making me feel like a million bucks, more present, centered and challenges me to my max, both physically and mentally.
11. The military, civil servants and their families. I’m sending love and prayers to those who have to be apart this holiday season <3
12. Michael Buble… and his Christmas CD.
13. Great neighbors, like the kind who offer you coconut water, fix your garage and walk your dog when you have a new baby. Our neighborhood is a great community, but our street is extremely close-knit, like family.
14. Hoodies and mocassins.
15. The comforts in life that can be easily overlooked, like safety, health, a fridge full of food, financial stability, a home, electricity, running water, the ability to go to school, voting rights. We are so very lucky.
16. The gym. I like working out at home, but being able to take classes and lift weights is always a bonus.
17. Stitchfix. I got my first fix yesterday, and I’m already in love. I’ll be writing a post about it soon, but in the meantime, here’s my referral code if you’ve been looking for an invitation.
18. Great vino (which = all wine).
19. Zumba and World Beat.
20. Sabino canyon.
21. The Pilot- I’m always thankful that he fell out of the sky and into Starbucks, just for me
(Oliv is also crazy about her daddy)
22. All of you! I love hanging out with all of you over here- thank you for making this space as amazing as it’s become. I consider you all to be friends, and am fortunate that I’m able to do something I love so much (write this little blog) every day <3
Wishing you and your family and very happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo
G
What’s something you’re especially thankful for this year? How do you try to keep a mindset of gratitude, even when it’s not the holiday season?
If you want to get in a quick workout this turkey day, check out the holiday hiit workout! 5 minutes and you can do it anywhere.
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
Happy Thanksgiving Gina! Thank you for spreading so much positivity throughout the blog world
Happy Thanksgiving!!! I’m thankful for sooo many things this year- 1- that I have the most amazing fiance in the world! 2- That I discovered and fell in love with running. 3- That I’m healthy enough to run! 4- that I found a place to do adult gymnastics and am re-learning my old favorite sport! and 5- That I have some really amazing friends that I get to see while home visiting this week!
SUCH an incredible post.. I love that you’ve covered off the big things (financial security, water, food, electricity), the important things (friends, family, etc) and also the little day-to-day things that just make things brighter (yes, I’m looking at you almond butter, chocolate + wine!). Have a very happy thanksgiving!
It may sound hokey but I havea gratitude journal and every day I write just one thing in it. Then when I’m having a day when I feel like nothing is going right I read it. It keeps things in perspective.
I’m very thankful for my family, pets, friends and my new house and car!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
What a wonderful post!
Happy Thanksgiving!! I especially agree with 1 and 7
Such a sweet post
Happy Thanksgiving, Gina and the whole Fitnessista family! 
Long time reader and lover but I am baffled that goat cheese and your Kindle are above your child on your thankful list…
i tried to space the serious, heartfelt and silly stuff- the list isn’t prioritized by number
If you are a long time reader you would know that Gina loves her baby girl more then anything. Plus family is number one and doesn’t oliv fall into that category?
I have to drive over four hours to be with my family and won’t get there until after 7 tonight. But we will have our turkey tomorrow night!!! Meeting y cousins girlfriend for the first time too. Family is the most important thing ever.
such a lovely post! we don’t have thanksgiving here in the UK but everyday i am thankful that i have my health and my wonderful friends and family. I’m especially thankful to the medical professionals that fixed my hubby when he was diagnosed with cancer last year. I’m also thankful for free fitness & family blogs!!
happy thanksgiving all!
Aw….what a sweet Thanksgiving Day post. Today, I am especially grateful for our jobs. On the news this morning, it said that our city currently has a 17% unemployment rate. To me, that is absolutely insane. I am so grateful for my job, my husband’s job and for the security of a regular pay cheque.
Wishing you & your family a wonderful day!
Happy, happy Thanksgiving! What a wonderful post! <3
Have a happy Thanksgiving with your family and what a nice post! Your baby girl, your hubs, house, parents & siblings – I know from ALL your posts all year that you cherish them and I wish you guys a great holiday season!
I’m a long-time reader and fan but I don’t comment often (infact this may be my first time…) but I wanted to thank you for this post. It has really inspired me to be more present and thankful in my day-to-day life. Sometimes I let anxiety, worries and little rough patches distract from all the amazing things going on!
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m a loyal blog reader, but I rarely comment. On this day of giving thanks, I thank you for all of the hard work you put into your blog. I typically do yoga every day at a studio (so I am loving the Namaste November challenge), but I make up my own flow when I can’t get to a class, like when I’m on vacation, and the Fitnessista ab burner series are my ending poses. Those are a doozy, so I usually think of you the next day, too.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your gorgeous family! I hope you all enjoy your time together and have a blessed time!
I love your list!
I think being grateful for things that you have everyday is so incredibly hard, but so rewarding! I love the positivity! Hope you have an amazing day with family
Love this list Gina! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I’ve been waiting forever to get an invitation from Sitchfix! I signed up for the list 3 weeks ago and still haven’t gotten one, how long did it take for you? All the clothes look super cute, I’m dying to try it.
Lovely list
How long is the wait on stitch fix? I’ve had my name on the list for over a month.
Happy Thanksgiving!
AWESOME post!! happy thanksgiving!!! Blessed!
You know, I and a whole lot of others are very thankful for YOU!
You’re amazing at writing this blog. I believe everything you post encourages and inspires someone in some way. If nothing else, your posts just put a smile on peoples’ faces. You’re just so positive and even when you write something that may be serious, you still do it in a tasteful honest way that brings about great conversation in the comments. I often learn a lot from those type of posts. Even your wordless posts are beautiful.
Anyway, thank you and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday this year!
Great post. I truly think that you inspire many people every day!
I hope your Thanksgiving was a great day spent with your family!!
Happy Thanksgiving
Grateful for my family, friends, freedom, health and happiness.
What a beautiful post!!! Loved and really felt every word
I am especially thankful for my family (and friends of course!) for always being there for me through the thick and thin. There are really not enough words in the world to describe how much they mean to me.<3
Happy Thanksgiving Gina! I know we have never 'met' before, but I am thankful for you too! Your blog really does make a difference
Love this post! Hmm, I guess taking time to slow down and having time out makes you realise how lucky you are.
What a great post! I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving with your family yesterday.
One thing I’m especially thankful for lately is my mom for being so supportive while I’m going through this stressful year. She’s been there for me 100% and I have never been more grateful to have her!
Happy Thanksgiving!
What a great post. It’s always important to think about all of the wonderful things we have in life to be thankful about!
that is the SWEETEST picture of your daughter and your husband. Beautiful!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! I love your blog and you have the cutes family.
Lovely! I am also grateful for that Bublé cd! It’s absolutely wonderful!
This is such a beautiful post and you have such a beautiful family.
Where are those moccasins from? They are SO cute!!
thank you! nordstrom rack last year
hahahahahaha that baby pic and that pic of the boys are both priceless!
Her little face just made my day!