20 Women On What They Are Thankful For This Year
My brilliant friends and their beautiful gratitude lists.
Gratitude, when practiced intentionally, is a radical act. It transforms the mundane into the extraordinary and reminds us that even in the midst of imperfection, there is beauty to behold. At its core, it is an act of presence—a way of honouring where we are and the journey it took to get here. In a world so often focused on the next thing, noticing what we already have is a transformative practice.
When we choose to focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we begin to see the abundance that surrounds us. It reminds us that life’s true wealth lies in the connections we nurture, the experiences we cherish, and the lessons we carry forward.
As we move into this holiday season, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of sales, shopping lists, and the pressure to find the perfect gift. Black Friday and the weeks that follow can often feel like a race toward more—more possessions, more deals, more distractions. But what if, instead of overconsumption, we chose to focus on gratitude? What if we redirected that energy and time into appreciating what we already have and the people (and pets) who make our lives rich?
This holiday season, let gratitude be the centerpiece of your celebrations—a practice that transforms not only the way we see the world but also the way we live in it. By shifting our focus from what we want to what we already have, we cultivate a season filled with meaning, connection, and joy.
Rather than writing a long, rambling list of my gratitude, I asked twenty of my girlfriends to share some thoughts about what they are thankful for this year, and their responses are stunningly beautiful.
Without a doubt, the most common theme is friendship and community. Recognition of the people who are there during the good and challenging times, the ones who inspire, motivate, and support you in ways big and small. Plus, partners who support, pets who love unconditionally, the ability to choose whether or not to have children, access to education and opportunity, both change and stability, and other large and small decisions, situations, and events. Nothing mentioned can be bought.
Read on for the responses (I bet you can not get through them all without at least one tear forming in your eyes), and then I would love to hear what you are thankful for this year.
MY BRILLIANT FRIEND(S)
As I sit with a cup of coffee looking out at the falling leaves, I am reminded of how thankful I am to have what I have, no matter how small. I’m thankful for my career in education that allows me the opportunities to share and learn from inspiring, open-minded, brilliant, young and old minds daily. I’m thankful for my outspoken voice that I do not take for granted. Most of all, I’m thankful to come home to a safe space with my favorite dog who welcomes me with excitement and love every day! - Gabby
I am thankful this year for all my little tribes — the one from the suite, the one who shuffles, the one who answered the Craigslist ad, the one at work, the one in Nebraska. I have many homes and places to turn. And a soft and sleepy cat who loves me. - Liz
In reflecting on what I am thankful for, I realize I am very lucky to have to many things to list. I am especially thankful for my husband and my son. They show me true and unconditional love. I am thankful for my friends, many of them life-long who have witnessed me in all my forms and they still show up. I am thankful that I have found a work environment that is supportive and rewarding. I am thankful for my ability to move my body and set goals for myself. There is much to be thankful for, even on hard days. - Madeleine
I’m grateful for laughter, reinvention, Middlemarch, and pillows. For good pens, great company, and problems worth solving. - Amy
I'm incredibly grateful for the community I have built in Chicago. As I continue to get older, I am more and more thankful for the vast array of friends I have in my life that keep me motivated and grounded, make me laugh, and feel supported. Life can be tough especially following the election, so it it is reassuring to know I'm surrounded by amazing, likeminded people. - Elise
I'm thankful for things that I often wish I noticed more: my health, my safety, the stability in my life and the opportunities I have. I'm also thankful for delicious food, female friendships, Chicago, protesters, and being child-free. - Val
I’m grateful to the many people (usually strangers!) in San Francisco who opened their spaces — big and small — to me this year and trusted me with opportunities to pursue my dreams, play the music I love, and create experiences that bring people together.Â
This year taught me that small, marginal gains make daunting, intimidating ideas happen. Most importantly, I was constantly reminded of the incredibly supportive community of friends I'm fortunate to have who always show up for me—never expecting anything in return. - Mel
One of the things that I am consistently so thankful for is the incredible community of women I’m so lucky to have in my life. This year has been filled with its share of challenges, with some truly low points and an uncertain, intimidating future looming ahead. Yet, I’m able to find comfort in knowing that no matter what lies ahead, my girlfriends will be there to navigate life’s labyrinth alongside me.
Female friendship, I believe, is one of the most vital and transformative bonds we as women can share. In the face of an uncertain future, our shared resilience will be more important than ever. So, to all the incredible women in my life: THANK YOU. I love you, I’m here for you, and I can’t imagine navigating this journey without you by my side. - Ava
This year, I am most grateful for change! In the past couple of years, I’ve gotten engaged, moved to a new city, and gotten a new job - all this change has forced growth and a new perspective, which have put me in a happier and healthier place both physically and mentally. So thank you, change, for inspiring me to continually evolve into the best version of me! - Mary
Reflecting on 2024, I am thankful for my community of strong women and the men in my life raised by strong women. Early this year I had an unexpected miscarriage, rapidly followed by a viable pregnancy. Before the miscarriage, I was struck with crippling anxiety and depression surrounding my fertility journey. Throughout, the strength and vulnerability of women in my life - family, friends, coworkers, distant connections - offered me support through sharing their own experiences and offering a listening ear. - Isha
I’m thankful for the slow fashion community that gives me constant inspiration and motivation to keep pushing forward towards building a better future for the industry. It can be easy to get discouraged in this type of work, but I am continuously blown away by the innovation, creativity, and resilience of the changemakers in this space showing is what’s possible ✨ - Elizabeth
I’m grateful for the community around me and the support I’m given every day from the people I love so much! - Karly
This year I find myself feeling immensely grateful for my body after welcoming our second child a few weeks ago. I marvel at what women’s bodies can do and am grateful to my body for bearing and bringing my two healthy children into the world. - Kristen
I am grateful for the community that I live in, which has shown immense support for small businesses and has opened my eyes to the importance of face-to-face human connection. The crack of a smile, a linger in the entryway, or an unexpected conversation stays with me and reminds me how much we all want to receive one another and be received in return. It’s a reminder of how willing people are to connect and love despite it all, which is such a beautiful thing.
I’m grateful for a partner who lifts me up and has given me a space I didn’t know I needed that allowed me to reconnect with and embrace the authenticity of who I am.
I’m grateful for the women in my life who show me love, make me laugh, hear me out, keep my eyes open to larger perspectives, and invite me along to experience different little corners of their lives with them. - Annie
Very thankful for all of the friends and family who have been by my side through the hard times and life’s twists and turns. Equally grateful for the same people being here to laugh and share all the good times together. And so thankful to have the opportunity every day to create my own joy and peace in every moment and to choose my own experience and soak up all that life has to offer. - Erika
This year I am thankful for the stability in my life. Stability is something we take for granted when we have it but is life wrecking when we don’t. - Victoria
This year, I have found myself surrounded by some of the most inspiring people I know - friends starting their own businesses, championing social justice, and chasing their creative pursuits. They’re truly building lives on their own terms, centered around their passions. I’m endlessly grateful for the constant inspiration, support, and motivation these friends bring to my life. - Alex
This year, I’m extra thankful to my friends and family for offering support. The last month has been filled with ups and downs, and having people around who love me and are genuinely good is what I’m most thankful for this year. - Angela
I’m incredibly grateful for all the magical moments of 2024. A special highlight was having my closest family and friends join us in Puerto Vallarta to celebrate our wedding—the best week of my life! I’m also thankful for our time in sunny Italy, savoring pistachio gelato every day while soaking in the stunning views. And, of course, I’m endlessly thankful for my dog, Sammi, whose happy dance makes me smile every time she catches me looking at her. These moments have filled my heart with so much love and joy. - Mireya
At 33, I find myself reflecting deeply on the people, moments, and opportunities that have shaped my journey, in particular this past year. I’m especially grateful for my supportive and loving partner, who celebrates my triumphs and stands by me through challenges. I’m also thankful for significant career milestones, including my recent promotion that has allowed me to make a meaningful impact in my field and community.
On a personal level, I’m proud of the growth I’ve achieved over the past year, particularly in finding balance between my career and home life. This balance has given me the space to pursue hobbies like reading, cooking, and entertaining / training our one-year-old puppy.
I’m endlessly grateful for my close-knit circle of family and friends, whose encouragement and joy brighten my days, and for the health and happiness of both myself and my loved ones. Lastly, I treasure the simple pleasures this year has brought —cozy evenings at home, traveling, and cherished traditions—that make life so fulfilling. - Kristin
And me!
I will forever be thankful that I grew up in a time and country where I, as a girl, had access to levels of quality education that previous generations (and many still around the world) could only dream of. By chance, time and place aligned so that I could learn and cultivate an insatiable curiosity and set of skills that enable me to be as independent and fulfilled as I want. They may continue chipping away at all of our rights, but they can not remove what is already in our minds and hearts. And, for that, I am thankful. - Jennifer
Your turn…!
With love and gratitude,
Jennifer
xxx
p.s. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with someone who you think will also enjoy a few moments of gratitude.