In honor of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I wanted to write about some things I’m thankful for. But not the typical family, friends, a roof-over-my-head type things because those are a given. I could easily write a post about how awesome all my loved ones are or how blessed I am to have a nice home and good food to eat, but I don’t want you to ruin your mascara over my mushy sentiments. So instead, I’m going to focus on my gratitude for all the little things that help keep this mama of two preschoolers sane.

A good book. Like many writers, I am an introvert and often feel the need to escape to recharge — especially after hearing “mommy” a thousand times in a row and having two kids attached to my side like leeches all day. As a mom, and someone who hasn’t won the Mega Millions yet, I can’t just schedule a spontaneous trip to Hawaii. But I can immerse myself in another world through reading, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.

Rap/hip hop from the 90s and 2000s. No other music is better for cleaning, working out, being stuck in traffic with a kid who desperately has to pee, or an impromptu dance party in the middle of your living room (even if you’re dancing alone with headphones on).

Wine. This one is pretty self-explanatory.

A mom tribe. I know I said I wasn’t going to talk about friends here, but this is a little different. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have people you can talk to who are going through the same stage of life as you are. Ones who can empathize with how sleep deprived you are. Ones who can give you advice on potty training. Ones who can one-up your stories of being puked on, making you laugh and proving that you’re not alone. Venting, laughing, and commiserating with my mom friends is a major stress relief.

And the same principle applies if you are planning a wedding, navigating your way through the minefield of dating apps, or trying to climb your way up the corporate ladder. Just find people who can relate to you.

A hot shower. One where the kids are downstairs with their dad so I can enjoy ten minutes of peace and shave more than half a leg.

Costco. Double-seater carts? Thank you, God! Free samples to keep the kids occupied? Keep ’em coming! Frozen meals perfect for all the nights I don’t want to cook? Yes, please! And bonus points when my girls see the fresh flower section and say they want to get me a bouquet. Who am I to deny them that little bit of happiness?

All of you, my readers. Okay, gonna get a little mushy here. But seriously, to know that I have people who are supportive of my dream to be a writer means the world to me! So thank you for reading, for sharing, for liking, for commenting, and just for being by my side during this journey.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!