Each year, I take time to evaluate what I’m thankful for and why. This year I came up with a list of 10 things and what came second this year was FAMILY being that Jesus Christ will always be number 1.
Cordelia is Thankful for….
1. My relationship with Christ. I’m just thankful for God’s love and the ability to know and experience Him for myself. I wouldn’t have anything to be thankful for if not for God.
2. Family…. To know me is to know that I am an only child born to an only child who was born to an only child. A little confusing; well my grandmother is an only child, so is my mother as well as me. Quite small in numbers but large in love, I always say!! I was raised by my mother and grandmother. My great-grandparents were always in the picture, so it was always the five of us until my great grandfather passed in 2004. RIP BigDad. And then there were four of us. I always share posts about my three favorite women who I love dearly. They really mean the world to me.
But there’s a twist. Turns out, I was born into an extremely large family on my dad’s side!
At the age of twelve, other than an aunt that I had known all of my life, I “officially” met my dad’s side of the family. At age fifteen is when I really got to know my father’s side of the family. I realize now that because I was born into a single parent household, that I didn’t mention my dad’s side of the family often because it meant I had to explain an extra part of my life which I used to consider “TOO” personal. But I’ve come to realize that in the last six years that they too have played a huge part in who I am.
I have a fabulous older sister and a wonderful nephew, six beautiful aunts, a host of cousins and lastly but definitely not least, two wonderful grandparents, Granny & Po, who never cease to amaze me with the amount of love and selflessness they share with each of us. Coming into a large family at the age of fifteen was quite overwhelming but I was welcomed with open arms and loud family dinners. I realized soon that I had many similar characteristics and felt comfortable. They let me know I was a Lowe and was no different than any other child and for that I appreciate them.
I learned what it’s like to have a small immediate family and a large one as well. My life has not been perfect, at all. But I wouldn’t trade my experiences and the timing for anything. I literally have the best of both worlds and for that I am forever grateful. So now I say, to know me is to know of me, my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother but it’s also to know that I am a Lowe.
I am thankful for my FAMILY!
3. Health: I’ve seen so much this pass year. So many people ill, mentally and physically. One day up and the next day down. So I do not take my health lightly. I’m grateful for a sound mind and the activity of my limbs. (as the churchy folk say)
4. Friends: I learn more about myself from the people I surround myself with. So I’m thankful for all of them, new and old.
4.5. My three Best Friends: they deserve their own number. They keep me grounded and I wouldn’t be who I am without them. I’m eternally grateful for my relationships with them. They know “me” and still love me so I know they’re keepers.
5. Kontingency (Line Sisters) & the best sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc especially Beautiful Beta Iota (home team). Literally one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far in life.
6. Love: self-love: When you love yourself, you do things for you and realize that the reward is greater than anything you could ever imagine.
7. Happiness: daily I’m learning what makes me happy & I know for sure what makes me unhappy so from that I’m growing and I’m thankful. No one can make you happy but you and I’m grateful to know this because I’m genuinely content with Cordelia.
8. The ability to learn & grow. I love that I have no desire to ever become complacent so I seek growth and find a lesson in everything.
9. My journal. I never thought writing would be such a great outlet. Maybe one day I’ll write a book.
10. I’m thankful that I’m optimistically maverick. Regardless of the situation, I can always find the good or a different perspective. My goal is to be an advocate for hope where there is none and I continually work toward that. I’m neither naive or easily swayed. I’m confident in who I am and who God called me to be. I know my life has great purpose.
I’m Optimistically Maverick and I’m back.
Thankfully,
Cordelia Paris
CordeliaParis 