Substackmas: Gratitude

Happy day one of Substackmas!! Every day leading up to Christmas I will be writing and posting on Substack, a little spin on Vlogmas.

Day One:

November was filled with opportunity, joy and family. It has definitely been a BUSY month for me. Some quick highlights. I got my first job out of school (my temp job), I moved to a new house, I accepted my first full time job (benefits and everything!) and had some very much needed family time. My heart has been exploding with joy and gratitude. I finally reached the end of the dark tunnel I have felt stuck in for the past few months.

Working at my temp job has been a huge blessing. I have learned so much about the non profit world and seen first hand how much good I can do on the operations side. It taught me how to commute into the city and be confident on public transportation. I’m now a regular on the commuter rail and know the train conductors. Boston being a part of my everyday life is making me excited for my future here. While sometimes I don’t want to wake up at 5:30am it’s always worth it because even the small things I contribute to in the office makes all the difference to the organization.

I moved to a new house! This is something we have been talking about all year and it finally happened. I wake up every morning looking out at the pond from my bedroom window. It feels like a fresh start. I was able to declutter a lot of my stuff which has been a blessing in disguise with all the moving we have been doing.

I got a new job! I accepted my first full time job offer the week before Thanksgiving. Something I have worked at all year and I finally did it. I read the job description almost everyday because I can’t believe I get to do this job. Getting this job was such a huge accomplishment. Not only has it brought me peace for my future but it showed me how many people were rooting for me. Every friend and family member I told has been so proud and excited for me and are wanting to get involved in the organization. My future feels so bright and I am honored to have been chosen. It’s a great feeling when people think your job is cool! (and it so is)

This past weekend was filled with family reunions and events. Every night we had dinner all together with the entire McFoley crew. I got to meet my 1 year old niece for the first time and also celebrate her birthday on Saturday. I got to bond more with my three year old niece and in her mind everyone is a poopy but. Like always I got to hang out with my 2 year old nephew and be endeared every time he says my name. Being able to be an aunt has been a huge blessing because I always and still look up to my aunts. One of the best feelings is when I am genuinely laughing with them. It felt like Thanksgiving dinner every night last week having all twelve of the McFoleys in town.

I have been so happy this month. For the first time in forever the future doesn’t feel daunting, it feels exciting. I am so grateful for being home and being surrounded by family. This week I am visiting Claire in DC with Bacca and I couldn’t be more excited. Finally the Ciao Bellas are reuniting. Every week feels exciting. I can’t stop saying that word.