Whether you know me in person, or are just now getting to know me, one thing you’ll come to learn is that opening up is not my strong suit, but as Thanksgiving rolled around, I felt compelled to reflect on what has been bringing me peace in the midst of life’s storms. Someone I met in school this year told me she really wants to “understand my lore” and while I found that funny, I also realized that even some of the people closest to me have no idea about a lot that goes on in my life. Like many others, I have major trust issues that keep me from opening up to people, so this post will be offering a little bit of vulnerability (wow and it’s only our second interaction here lol).

Being that it was just Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I am thankful for, and I have been incredibly thankful for my peace whenever I can get it. These last few years have been incredibly traumatic, and I feel like it’s made my anxiety skyrocket. Let me give you a brief timeline:

2018: Losing a cousin

2019: Losing a friend

2020: Pandemic

2021- Early 2024: Losing 7 people including 2 more cousins, 2 uncles, another friend, both my grandmothers (one on my birthday)

And this isn’t even including EVERYTHING that’s happened in this timeframe. In all this time, I found myself feeling hopeless and on edge, almost waiting for another tragedy to happen. While I still do struggle with this crazy anxiety, I’m challenging myself to think more positively and live in the moment.

What I’m Thankful For:

• My health, because we don’t have anything if we don’t have our health. After having one surgery earlier this year, and having another one coming up, I’ve realized how invaluable it is to feel strong and whole.

• My mom- Quite possibly one of the best ladies ever. Being the only child of a single mom, I feel like we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, especially as I got older, but I always know that without a doubt, there is nobody in this world that loves me the way she does.

• My faith and blessings- Even when I question it, I’m quickly reminded of how blessed I am. There is no “luck” when it comes to me. God don’t play about me and He has shown me that time and time again this year, and I don’t expect it to stop any time soon.

• My family- Ah the Gleaton Gang… Whatever would I do without them?

• My team- Though it is not specifically MY team, the network and relationships that I am building with the women of The Ladies’ Room is something I will always value. I really don’t have many friends, and these girls came into my life at a perfect time. Early this year, the day I parted ways with my job was the same day that it was finalized for me to join The Ladies’ Room, and we've been kicking ever since. Literally everything had started aligning for me perfectly (a story for another day), and things are only looking up for us right now. I’m so thankful that I found a group of girls that we can hold each other accountable in our business and personal goals, handle business accordingly, and come together and let our hair down for girl time as well. It really has only been about 8 months, and I hope we stay locked in strong and continue to not only build business relationships, but strong friendships and bonds as well.

• My drive and ambition- I’m not sure if this is a normal thing to be thankful for, however I am. I feel as though my ambition and drive is so strong that I am DESTINED to achieve everything I have planned in life. I am the biggest night owl ever (as I am currently writing this post at 2 AM) and I spend this time to sit in my own thoughts and take the time to work on everything pertaining to my business ideas. I mean, I may not have the funds to start my beauty bar next week, but I could absolutely produce my business plan and the interior plans for it to an investor if they asked me right now.

All in all, I hope this post gave you a teeny tiny bit more insight about me. The holidays can be hard for a lot of people, but as they approach, I challenge you to take some time to reflect on your own peace and blessings. I’m learning how to not dwell too much on life’s low moments and as unpredictable as it is, gratitude can be the anchor that grounds us in every storm. Stay hopeful, stay thankful, and above all, count your blessings. Peace.