Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to celebrate, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. But for me, this year’s Thanksgiving feels different—more profound and layered with meaning. After months of unexpected challenges, hardship, and heartache, I’ve come to a place of deep reflection about what truly matters.
My life changed dramatically in just a few months, and as I sit here writing this, I’m thankful for things I might have taken for granted before. This is a story about resilience, about finding hope in the darkest times, and about learning to cherish even the smallest moments. It’s not just about Thanksgiving—it’s about understanding how we can still find gratitude amidst struggle.
1. The Unexpected Turn: Life in the Last Three Months
I never saw it coming. One moment, everything seemed to be on track, and the next, my world was turned upside down. At the end of September 2024, I found out that I had been laid off from my job. After 14 years of service, I had no notice, no severance, and no explanation as to why I was being let go. To make matters worse, I wasn’t even paid for the month of August and my ex-employer lied to me about the reasons for not being paid.
Losing my job in such an abrupt and heartless way was a blow I never expected. It was a shock, especially after years of hard work and dedication. My financial security was already strained, with my husband being laid off twice in the past five years, so the loss of my income was the last thing I could have prepared for. Suddenly, everything we’d worked for felt uncertain, and I was left grappling with the reality of our financial situation.
2. The Heartache of Letting Go: Selling Everything We Own
When things began to feel unbearable, we had to make a painful decision—sell almost everything we owned. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Watching our furniture, which we’d carefully selected and worked hard to pay for, being sold off piece by piece was heartbreaking. Each item that left our home represented not just a material possession, but the work and effort it took to acquire it. But when you have no food in the house and no money to cover basic necessities, you don’t have many choices.
Letting go of our things wasn’t just about losing furniture; it felt like losing a part of ourselves. Every sale, every piece of furniture or decor that was gone, was a reminder of the instability we were facing. I had to swallow my pride and accept that the comfort of a well-furnished home was no longer possible, but survival was. It was an emotional experience—one I didn’t expect to face in my lifetime—but it was a reality I had to face.
This act of selling our belongings made me realize just how quickly everything can change. It forced me to focus on the things that truly matter: our health, our faith, and the love we have for one another.
3. The Pressure Before the Storm: Financial Strain and Depleted Savings
Even before my job loss, we were already under financial pressure. Rising costs of living had stretched our budget thin, and my husband’s job instability had already depleted most of our savings. We were living paycheck to paycheck, always finding ways to scrape by, adjusting our lifestyle to make ends meet.
Despite our best efforts, we were running on fumes. We had to cut back on even the smallest luxuries—no more dinners out or little indulgences we’d once enjoyed. Our home was modest, and our spending habits were cautious, but we were making it work—until I was laid off. Suddenly, that final blow left us struggling even harder, with no income and very few resources to fall back on.
With everything that had happened, I found myself in a place I never thought I’d be—forced to make hard choices just to stay afloat. It’s difficult to explain the weight of those decisions unless you’ve experienced it yourself. And yet, through it all, I realized that this experience was showing me what truly matters in life.
4. The Little Things That Matter Most: Gratitude in the Everyday Moments
When you have nothing left, when you’re living in a tiny wooden backyard dwelling with no shower or bath, you begin to appreciate things you once took for granted. In the past, I would have never thought twice about a hot shower or a comfortable chair to sit in. Now, I find comfort in the simplest things—the warmth of a cup of tea, the sound of birds outside, or the quiet moments spent with my two German Shepherds.
The lack of everyday conveniences that we used to consider essential has shifted my perspective. The pressure of not being able to afford even the basics has forced me to slow down and reflect. In the absence of things, I’ve learned to focus on experiences and relationships—on the moments that truly matter. When I can’t have a hot shower, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and the love of my family.
I’ve started to cherish every small victory—whether it’s finding a way to make a meal stretch for one more day, or getting through the day without feeling overwhelmed. These little moments are where true gratitude begins.
5. Reaching Out for Help: The Power of Community
Asking for help has never been easy for me, but when I reached out to a Facebook group for help with my dogs, the response was overwhelming. I was struggling to manage the medical costs for my two German Shepherds, particularly the joint care powder for my female dog, who suffers from elbow dysplasia. I didn’t know where to turn, so I put out a call for help.
To my surprise, the response was nothing short of heartwarming. Strangers from all over stepped forward, offering financial help, advice, and even gifts for my dogs. It was a reminder of the kindness that still exists in the world, even when things feel bleak. People didn’t hesitate to support me, and that generosity lifted my spirits in ways I cannot fully express.
This experience reinforced the power of community. When life knocks us down, it’s the people around us—whether family, friends, or even strangers—who can lift us back up. I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received, and I will never forget the kindness of those who came to my aid when I was at my lowest.
6. Embracing Change: Turning Challenges Into New Opportunities
The abrupt change in my life has forced me to re-evaluate everything. What used to be a stable routine is now filled with uncertainty. But in the midst of this uncertainty, I’ve found new opportunities to grow and adapt.
One of those opportunities came through my passion for digital art. I started InfiniteGraceDesiArt with the hope of building something meaningful that could also support my family. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Even though the journey has just begun, I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the new connections I’ve made with people who appreciate my art.
Similarly, my e-book collection, E-Books Heaven, has given me a way to share my knowledge and creativity with others. It’s been incredibly cathartic to dive into writing, and I’ve found strength in knowing that my work has the potential to make a positive impact on others.
Turning these passions into projects that I can focus on has helped me regain a sense of purpose and control. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of hardship, we have the power to create and build anew.
7. Faith: The Anchor That Holds Me Steady
Through all of the challenges, one thing has remained constant: my faith. When I lost my job and my world seemed to crumble, my faith in God became my anchor. There were days when I felt lost and uncertain about what was ahead, but trusting in God’s plan for me has kept me going.
My faith has grown stronger during this time. It’s given me the courage to face each day with hope, even when the road ahead seemed unclear. I know that I am not alone in this journey, and that knowledge has been a source of strength. No matter how many obstacles life throws my way, I trust that God has a purpose for me—and that faith is enough to keep moving forward.
8. Family and Connection: The True Source of Strength
During this tumultuous time, I’ve been reminded that family is everything. My husband and I are in this together, and though we’ve lost so much, we still have each other. The love we share has kept us grounded and has reminded me of the true wealth in life.
And my dogs—my loyal German Shepherds—have been my source of joy. Their unconditional love and companionship have been a constant reminder that, even in difficult times, there’s always something to smile about. Family isn’t just about the people we’re related to; it’s about those who stand by us, who offer love, support, and comfort when we need it most.
9. A Message for You: Finding Gratitude in Your Own Life
As you read my story, I hope you are reminded that, no matter how tough life gets, there is always something to be grateful for. It might be hard to see through the fog of hardship, but trust me when I say that the small things matter. Take a moment today to reflect on what you have, no matter how small. It’s the little things that hold the most power in our lives.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the tough times—it’s about finding strength and hope in them. It’s about knowing that even in the darkest moments, there is light. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned through this experience, it’s that no matter what life throws your way, you can find a way to be thankful. It’s not always easy, but the act of recognizing the blessings you still have can make all the difference.
I’m not where I expected to be this year. I thought I had everything figured out. But life had different plans, and through it all, I’ve learned that even in the most uncertain times, faith, gratitude, and love are the things that hold us up.
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed by your own struggles, know that you’re not alone. We all face challenges—some big, some small—but it’s how we choose to face them that makes the difference. Take a moment today, like I did, and look around you. Maybe it’s the warmth of your home, the laughter of a loved one, or the sound of nature outside your window. There’s always something to be grateful for, no matter how small.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you to take a step back and appreciate the beauty that exists in your life, even amidst the chaos. Life will always have its ups and downs, but when we choose gratitude, we invite peace into our hearts.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, I’m not just thankful for the material things that life has given me. I’m thankful for the lessons that hardship has taught me. I’m thankful for the strength I didn’t know I had, for the people who have supported me along the way, and for the faith that continues to guide me through the storm.
And most of all, I’m thankful for the chance to keep going. No matter where life takes me, I know that I can face it with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit that refuses to give up.
I hope this blog has helped you reflect on your own life and the things you are grateful for. Take a moment to appreciate what you have, and know that, no matter the struggles you face, you have the strength to rise above them. Happy Thanksgiving.
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