“I realized that going drinking with a friend and skipping the gym would do more good for my lonely, friend-deprived self than exercising would.”

Wait a second? Hasn’t this lady been telling us to work out a lot? Didn’t she say she makes it to the gym 5-6 days per week? Hasn’t she said that I need to exercise pretty much every day to be healthy?

Yep, that’s right! Today I’m here to overhaul a lot of what I’ve told you. But for a very good reason.

Let’s take it back. Waaaaay back…

“It made me feel like I was still there, able to share in the festivities.”

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. And I’m pretty darn pumped because it’s fast approaching!

Holiday Traditions

I’m one of those people who get way too into the holiday spirit. As I write this, I’m sitting in a living room with command-hooked stockings on the wall, more than one vase of poinsettias, and both garlands and a bedecked Christmas tree. I have hot chocolate and marshmallows in the pantry and whipped cream chillin’ in the fridge. I’m telling you – I go all out.

But in reality, Christmas is really important to me because of my childhood. My family had so many traditions. We always went to church, saw lots of family, and spent tons of time together catching up and laughing. It was truly special.

Not everyone has a big family to gather with or certain traditions they follow, but I love that the holidays (whatever holidays it is you celebrate) are a time to slow down and enjoy the company of those you care about most. Which is why I really struggled with working Christmas Eve and Christmas day my first year out of college.

“They can be just as potent as anti-anxiety pills.”

As Thanksgiving nears, I’ve been paying extra attention to the things I am thankful for. My list is extremely easy to generate: my family and friends, my boyfriend, having a comfortable apartment, having a job, this blog, my health, my ability to exercise, all things chocolate, all things coffee… 🙂 My list goes on and on. And I’m truly grateful for each and every one of these things in my life.

But this Thanksgiving, I’m extra thankful for the companionship and health of my two pets.