Thankful.

by Kaylah Stroup
Ever since I started this blog I’ve done a Thanksgiving post where I post about what I’m thankful for…just like every other blogger. I skipped the post last year because I was at a really strange place in my life. That was actually the day I told my mom I wanted to move to Cleveland. It’s insane to me how different my life is now compared to this same day one year ago. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. In no order at all, here’s a very short list of things that make me cry a little when I think about them too long… 
(I’m so serious too, I’m a crier!)

My apartment in the most wonderful city. I’ve said it once, and I’m sure I’ll say it at least another hundred thousands times; I love this city.  I’m so happy to have settled into so city life so quickly and easily. I belong here. Although I’m ready to start looking for a new place, I do love this apartment. It’s the perfect size for all my collections and I.

The best roommates. This year is actually the first time in my life I’ve lived alone. It wasn’t that strange at first, it felt normal. But a few months in, it hit me. I’m never going to come home to dinner cooking, or music on or anything in this apartment. I don’t miss a person in particular, I miss a feeling. I like having someone in another room doing their own thing while I do mine. Living alone can be super lonely for me at times but Klaus, Professor, and Squid are really great company. I seriously don’t know how anyone lives alone without pets. These three are lifesavers!

A tight knit group of incredible friends. I’ve never really had a lot of friends. In high school I had maybe two or three super close friends. I lost touch with them and then basically only concentrated on a relationship – that failed. When I moved to Cleveland I had one friend. Then I met Jeff and was instantly welcomed into his group of friends. I’ve never felt so comfortable so quickly around a group of people. Almost immediately I was being corrected by Jeff for saying “your friends” because they were (are) my friends too.

Jason, Brandon, Rachel, Garrett, Jake, and of course, Jeff – I LOVE YOU GUYS, and I’m so incredibly thankful to have you all in my life. I couldn’t ask for a more awesome group of pals!

It probably seems silly to most, but dude, this list isn’t complete without my bike! It’s insane to me how much something that I’ve known about my whole life could mean so much to be when I rediscovered it as an adult. My bike makes me feel confident, healthy, strong, sexy, and in control. I’m not sure there is any time that I’m happier than when I’m on my bike. I took to cycling like a fish to water.

Last but not least, all of you! I’m so fortunate to be able to blog for a living. I couldn’t do that without you guys. And even more than being able to blog for living, I love connecting with people through my blog. Over the past two years there have been lots of big changes in my life and obstacles that I’ve overcome but it makes it even more exciting to get an email or comment from someone doing the same thing. I connected with people from all across the world doing the same things I was doing – getting their license late in life, moving to a new city, getting on their own two feet, etc. Being able to share my experiences with so many people is a crazy good feeling.  Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, emailing, liking, sharing, everything!

I hope you all have an incredible Thanksgiving.
xoxo

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28 comments

Trisarahtops November 27, 2014 - 2:03 pm

Such a lovely post. So glad to hear you're so happy and settled in Cleveland. I think your happiness has definitely come across on your blog since the big move. Happy Thanksgiving.

Kaylah November 27, 2014 - 7:05 pm

Thanks, Sarah! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🙂

Ali Whittemore November 27, 2014 - 4:35 pm

This list not only makes me incredibly proud of you, but gives me hope for better things to come. Thank you for all you do! Keep it up!

Kaylah November 27, 2014 - 7:05 pm

Thank you, Ali!! 🙂

Danielle Morgan November 27, 2014 - 8:29 pm

THANK YOU! Finding your blog last summer inspired me to start blogging again. I love seeing things through your perspective. Keep doing your thing, girl! <3

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 6:52 pm

Thanks so awesome to hear, Danielle!! Thank you so much. 🙂

Taryn November 27, 2014 - 9:03 pm

you rock!

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 6:52 pm

YOU rock!

Kaitlyn Petry November 27, 2014 - 10:21 pm

So lovely to read Kaylah! I still haven't gotten my license, haha, but reading about your adventures is really encouraging. I also got a dog for the first time this year and it's changed my life! Who knew I was secretly a dog person among all these cats? So often people think you can only have or only love one or the other. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving. 😉

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 6:53 pm

Hahah, right!? When I got Klaus I had no idea how much he'd make a difference in my life. I love cats! and dogs! and just about every other animal, ever! 😛

Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving!

luzmaría moonandroses November 28, 2014 - 4:33 am

Beautiful post!! Is good to give thanks 😀 Hope to read more about your daily life
xoxo

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 6:54 pm

Thanks!

What kinds of things do you want to see? Definitely open to hearing anything you have in mind. I'd love to share more.

PeachSponge November 28, 2014 - 11:46 am

This was wonderful to read. I've been reading your blog for a few years and I've noticed in your posts and photos lately that you just seem so damn happy, and that is freaking amazing to see. You're doing what you want and feeling good and that is inspiring! xo

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 6:55 pm

Thank you so much for reading all this time!
Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving! <3

Marine November 28, 2014 - 12:23 pm

Thank YOU for being happy and blogging all about it! (And thank you for Lloyd! Again! And again!)

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 7:01 pm

Dude. Thank YOU for adopting him. He so clearly is loved by you guys and that makes me so incredibly happy!

lynn November 28, 2014 - 3:19 pm

Reading your blog always gives me inspiration. Keep up the amazing work! ^W^

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 7:08 pm

Aw! Thank you, Lynn! 🙂

Elif November 28, 2014 - 4:42 pm

Aww I love this post! Thanks for constantly inspiring others (myself included). You are an awesome human being x

Kaylah November 28, 2014 - 7:08 pm

<333

zooxanthele November 29, 2014 - 1:27 am

This post makes me so happy. I've followed your blog for a couple years now, and watching all the great new things that have come your way this year really heartwarming. I'm SO happy for you!

Kaylah November 30, 2014 - 11:16 am

Thank you so much!!! <3

Allison Honeylily November 29, 2014 - 11:21 pm

I'm so happy to see you so happy! And as someone who is shy and hoping to move to a bigger, more creative city, your whole journey this year has been so inspiring to me!

Kaylah November 30, 2014 - 11:16 am

Thank you, Allison! 🙂

Kelsea Echo December 1, 2014 - 9:52 pm

Okay, I have to ask: where is that giant pink soft serve cone from?

And just like everyone else, I love this post!

<3 Kelsea | Kels Shark

Lostvestige December 3, 2014 - 1:51 am

This definitely sounds like it was your best year yet! I've always loved reading your blog over the years and you definitely helped inspire me to start my own! Keep it up 😀

Rozi December 3, 2014 - 3:22 pm

This post is wonderful! Is it weird to admit I had a tear in my eye too reading this??

I've been reading your blog for a few years and it's just so awesome to read about someone being so happy, and having such a great year. I moved out on my own for the first time this year too and your blog is always crazy inspiring.

Keep doing what you do! *fist bump*

elliel December 5, 2014 - 2:13 pm

Great post! Glad you had a good year 🙂 plus I LOVE your place!

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