Thankful.

Sometimes we take take things for granted and let negative thoughts cloud our mind. I've been depressed quite a few times in my life and sometimes the worst gets the best of me. However, lately I've been living differently. Every day I'm grateful for my life and often reminded of the wonderful people and things that surround me. I am truly a thankful person and I'm gracious for where life has taken me these past few months.

Last November, I was hospitalized due to a flare-up for four days. Never before have I felt so much pain from my Crohns. The moment I was released, I promised to live a healthier lifestyle, get in shape, and eat foods which won't irritate my stomach. After months of being on Prednisone and antibiotics, I decided to start giving myself shots of Humira to ease the pain and welcome remission. However, the treatment came with horrible side effects.

In the first week of May, I had two things going against me. I needed to seek new medication and find a new college. MU was becoming awfully expensive. I was beginning to feel discouraged and depressed with the state of my health and leaving MU after finally finding a major that suited me best.

All summer long, I've played the waiting game. I still haven't heard from IUPUI in regards to acceptance and was clueless about school. Today I finally received a new form of treatment for my Crohns. My friend, Holly, has been getting Remicade infusions since she was 13 years old for her Crohns and recommended it to me. Today was my first infusion and my mother was by my side for support. I was slightly nervous that I'd get the same side effects from Humira. So far, all is well. If anything, I'm just glad that we made a move to helping my condition. I hope to not have side effects and achieve remission. I'd be ever-so-happy. All I can do now is be hopeful and have some faith. I'm thankful for having the advantage to get the right treatment.

Another reason I'm thankful today is in regards to my photography and cousin, Erin. I've been having many successful photoshoots with friends and family in this past month and hope to make this a career on the side. I actually got paid for the first time ever this weekend. Most importantly, I was able to take photographs of Erin and her beautiful, amazing family. I'm still so thankful for getting to meet her in these past three years. I cannot believe I've went my entire life without knowing her, but I'm just so glad that she's here now. She's got a handsome husband and three beautiful kids. It's weird how much we connect and are similar. It's obvious that we're blood-related.

Last, but not least, I'm thankful for Alex. This Friday, August 24, will be our three year anniversary. I can't believe how time flew so quickly. I still look back to our beginning days and smile; our passion for each other hasn't changed a damn bit, but our love has grown stronger. He's my best friend. We understand each other; we're practically the same person. How did we get so lucky?

A year ago, life seemed icky. I was sick, unhappy, hating my job, and feeling lost. It's amazing how life has turned around for me. I just hope it continues to progress and I definitely have faith that it will.

I'm a very thankful person. What are you thankful for? Take some time to count your blessings and really put your life into perspective.