What are you grateful for this year?
It’s a pretty simple question, but it really got me thinking. It’s been close to a year since I started this blog, and as I look back on the year, it is amazing to see how much my life has changed.
Just over a year ago, I was working full-time (and by full-time I mean 50-60 hours a week) as an application developer and systems analyst. I was frustrated, stressed out, and generally unhappy. It wasn’t that life was really that bad, I just felt like I had hit a dead end and my frustration with work started to creep into the rest of my life.
So, last October, my husband and I decided that I would quit my job and take some time off to re-evaluate and figure out what I really wanted to do with my life (you know that question of “what do you want to be when you grow up?”). It was a huge step for me, and I was terrified… But also grateful for my husband’s support and understanding.
Quitting my job ended up being one of the best things I have ever done. I was asked to continue working as a consultant on the project that I had been managing as an employee. I agreed, and have been working part-time as a business/systems analysis consultant ever since. Working part-time meant that I also had time to start to reclaim my life again.
In January, I decided to start writing down some of my recipes and keep track of them on my blog. I had no expectations… I was just looking for a way to organize my recipes. I never imagined that others would start reading what I was writing and actually leave comments and try my recipes. I had no idea that there was a large community of food bloggers out there that would be so welcoming and encouraging! As a result of starting My Kitchen Addiction, I have made new friends, had the opportunity to get involved with some great organizations, and discovered what I really love to do.
It may sound a bit cheesy, but starting my blog has really changed my life for the better, and for that I am extremely grateful. I am grateful for everyone who has encouraged me along the way, those who have read or tried my recipes, those who answer my desperate last-minute recipe questions on Twitter, those who have added me to their RSS readers, those who have become fans on Facebook, and everyone else who I have come in contact with as a result of My Kitchen Addiction. Thank you all!
Over the next few days, I will be sharing more about what I’m grateful for (on Twitter and Facebook), and I encourage you to do the same! By sharing our gratitude, we truly can make a difference.
This post was created as part of a global groundswell of gratitude called TweetsGiving. The celebration, created by US nonprofit Epic Change, is an experiment in social innovation that seeks to change the world through the power of gratitude. I hope you’ll visit the TweetsGiving site to learn more, and to bring your grateful heart to the party by sharing your gratitude, and giving in honor of that for which you’re most thankful.
#tweetsgiving
I have been lucky enough to also have a supportive husband – I quit to be stay at home mom and now blog and love it! Thank you for reminding me to be thankful for all your folks who read my blog !
i’ve said it before… i love your attitude of gratitude. thanks for such sweet posts throughout the week :) this past year has delivered some very low blows to my family and i remember to be thankful in all things. happy thanksgiving to you and yours.
Great post! I am so glad you were able to quit your job and are happier now. That is my goal someday:) I adore you and your blog. I am so glad you started blogging. Thanks for helping us all be aware at how much we have to be grateful for!
What a wonderful post! I’ve only discovered your blog recently but I’m a big fan and will continue to read. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I’m glad you’re happy with where your life is right now. That’s really wonderful that you have a hubby who’s so supportive. That’s a great thing to have especially during tough and unsure times. This year has been such a mixed bag of emotions and events for me. I’m really grateful for each and everyone of those experiences. I really wouldn’t be where I am today, if none of those events ever happened.
You sound so happy :) It’s great that you have such a supportive husband. Also I have a little something on my blog for you :)
Jennifer – Yes, it has been nice working only part time (and from home)… Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Tiffany – Thanks for your sweet comment… Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough year. Hope things are looking up. Happy Thanksgiving!
Maria – I hope you are also able to quit your job eventually… It definitely has been a nice change for both my husband and I. Thanks for your comment… Happy Thanksgiving!
Tracey – Thanks for reading :) I’m a big fan of yours, as well… Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenn – Isn’t it amazing how much our experiences shape us and change our lives? I’m very lucky to have such a supportive husband… and I know my life would be very different had I not had the opportunity to leave my job! Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving!
Nutmeg Nanny – Thanks so much… You’re too sweet! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Jen, I’ve enjoyed your blog so much since I’ve found it and it’s wonderful to hear that you’re happy and enjoying your life. It always sounds so cliche, but it’s also very true…..life is too short to be unhappy. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Great post Jen. So happy for you! I’m right there with you. I started my blog last February and can’t believe how it has changed my life. I too definitely have a lot to be thankful for.
Hi Jen– what a wonderful and thoughtful post. I wanted to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving, and I look forward to watching gorgeous food appear on your blog throughout the holidays!
Mags – I enjoy your blog as well… You always manage to put a smile on my face, even when I’m grumpy! :) Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Allison – Thanks for your comment… I think we all have a lot to be thankful for when we stop and think about it. I have enjoyed reading your blog, and I look forward to much more to come! Loved the Alton Brown piece. Happy Thanksgiving!
Caroline – Thanks for stopping by… I look forward to plenty of gorgeous food on your blog through the holidays as well. You never let me down. Happy Thanksgiving!
Well I for one am glad you took the leap of faith and started this blog. I can’t believe you’ve only been at it for such a short amount of time…. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Jen, This was so touching and sounds very similar to my life! It is wonderful to take a step in faith!
-diana