In a blink of eye, 2021 is almost over. I’m one of the millions who struggle with seasonal depression in November and December every year. Instead of suffering and struggling during the final two months of the year, I try to focus on gratitude.

I’ve said this (probably too) many times, but 2021 has been better to me than I deserved. From TV appearances on TODAY and The Kelly Clarkson Show to stories in PEOPLE and Good Morning America to across the world in Korea and Japan, I’ve been incredibly lucky.

The last 18-20 months have sucked for most of us, but I want to focus on the good. Each day in November, I will share what I’m thankful for, and I hope you join me too.

GRATITUDE JOURNAL, DAY 1

What brings me gratitude? The first entry in my Gratitude Journal features three things I’m grateful for:

• My family. It may sound cliche, but the thing I am the most grateful for first and foremost is my family. The last five years have been filled with more challenges and uncertainty than most people will face in their lifetimes. However, we’ve made it to the other side, and Ashleigh, Addison, Jackson, and Benson are the reason why I do what I do.

• My job. I took a crazy leap of faith by switching jobs mid-pandemic, but I finally found a place where I feel like I belong. The journey to this point took many twists and turns, but the moment I didn’t think would happen finally did.

• You. If you have been one of the 4,000 people who’ve purchased my book since 2018 (or one of the most than 3,000 in 2021)…THANK YOU! You have thousands of options on where to spend your hard-earned money, and you chose to purchase my book. THANK YOU. When I published my book, I never thought I’d sell more than five copies. However, this has exceeded my wildest dreams. I don’t have to be a New York Times best-selling author because you’ve made me feel like I’m a best-selling author.

What are you thankful for this year?

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