don’t usually participate in these kinds of things. Three hundred and sixty five images a year, one each day. Thirty days of thankfulness. Ten days of one thing I’d change in the world. Etcetera. It’s just too “what everyone else is doing” that I like to balk at it.

But this year, I feel like I need to do this. Genuinely, honestly, and thoughtfully write down just one thing a day that I’m thankful–truly grateful–for. Not every day is going to be something profound, but in this changing time of year, when weddings are winding down and flu season is hitting and the cold starts seeping into my bones and the overwhelming feeling of next years’ weddings start to weigh down on my shoulders, I need to remember to be thankful.

So here goes day 1.

My support system.

There are a lot of people who support me from a distance, specifically in regards to my business, and I greatly appreciate all of you–truly! I wouldn’t be where I am without your support and cheering. In comparison to all of you, my intimate support system is very small. They involve the few people who I can count on 2 hands who I could go to with any problem in my life and they would not judge me, they would not make fun of me, they would speak truth to me, and they would give me solid advice if needed.

I’m blessed. I’m reminded that I don’t deserve these kinds of friends in my life. I could be alone, even if surrounded by so many people. Yet here I am, leaning on the shoulders of people who can be strong for me even if and when I cannot be.

So, yeah, you could say I’m very thankful.

Join the #30DOT (days of thankfulness) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or your own blog! See more about it here.