Things I’m Thankful For 💛

Today is Thanksgiving and although I’m in full-blown holiday retail mode, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what I’m thankful for this year. 

My New Apartment

I lived in my last apartment with my roommate for 5 years! It was a spur-of-the-moment decision (which I rarely make, I’m very calculated usually!) but it just felt right! David and I signed our lease together and moved in and I couldn’t be happier. It’s twice as big as my last place, I absolutely love the location, and the best part? I get to wake up to his handsome face every single day! 🙌 

 My Man

I met David around this time last year, and it’s so nostalgic just thinking about it! I’ll never forget that moment I saw him from across the room! Seems cliche, but he came up and said hi, bought me my favorite drink, and the rest is history. I am going to be forever grateful for meeting the man of my dreams and I am so blessed to be on this life journey with him! My only regret is I wish I had met him sooner 💛 

 My Family

My mom has put up with so much over the years, and I feel like this is the first year I actually haven’t given her hell! Haha! She’s always pushed me to be the best version of me I can be and she taught me to be strong yet loving. Thank you mom! I am also grateful for my big family on both sides, they are the best!  🍂

 My Friends

I feel like this is a given… but my friends have been with me through the ups and through the downs – you know who you are! I have made so many new friends this year that I’m blessed to have met and I have to say: I feel like the best is yet to come! I’ve made some amazing memories with my friends – new and old – and I can’t wait to see what gatherings, parties, weddings, birthdays that the next year brings! 

My Career

Now THIS is something I could almost cry about while writing. Just a few short years ago I was so lost and in a very dark place. I had already been doing YouTube beauty videos as a creative outlet but suddenly stopped for multiple life reasons. Finding my niche in the beauty community and the individuals in management that saw that spark in me is something I will be forever grateful for! I took the opportunities presented to me and ran with them, and now I work for an amazing company in the job of my dreams. I am truly blessed and proof that when you feel your most lost – you can make a comeback and flourish into your true potential! 🍷

This Blog

I felt SO guilty when I went through all those life mishaps a few years ago and quit doing videos on YouTube. It’s something that I will forever regret because looking back now, a lot of people could learn from my mistakes. However, this year is the year I really wanted to make sure I re-ignited that passion inside of me for blogging as a creative outlet. I had queencarlene.com years ago, but never really felt like I was dedicated and I was confused about how I wanted to go about blogging. This time around, I have that drive and passion and even though every once in awhile I may have a lull, I know I’ll pick right back up where I left off! Since taking my blog seriously again in July and launching it in October of this year, I’ve alreasy gotten amazing opportunities I would only use to dream of! I can’t wait to continue this journey and I’m thankful you all are on it with me!  🍁

My Health  

This also seems like a given, but a few years ago when I was unhappy and miserable I also got some horrible news: I was borderline diabetic! I knew I had to make a change and I knew I had to make it quickly. I changed my eating habits, started to work out again, watched my sugar & alcohol content more (I could never cut out wine though!) and I lost about 45 lbs! I still have a long way to go and have gained a few pounds back from being so happy (I’m looking at you, David!) but that’s ok – I feel recommitted! And I’m grateful to have found some tools along the way including Teami Blends. I’m on day 10 of my 30 day detox and I’ve already lost 5lbs! I’ll keep you updated on another post, but so far it’s helping me jump-start when I’ve already had in motion for my health! ✨

 Traveling

This year has been the best when it comes to traveling! It’s been forever since I took the time to really plan out trips with friends and loved ones – and I was able to make multiple trips this year! My girls and I went to Vegas for a bachelorette party, I’ve been able to go camping, and we went on our first vacation together to the beautiful Puerto Vallarta! I have a whole blog post for our trip to PV coming soon, I’m still sorting out the photos and reminiscing! 💕 

I have SO much to be thankful for and I am so very blessed.  I hope everyone else has an amazing Thanksgiving and remember to be grateful for every moment!