What I’m Thankful For

Disclaimer, this is going to be an incredibly sappy post. But if you know me, you know I love friendship! So you shouldn’t be surprised.

I’m incredibly thankful for my family for continuing to support my adventure of the moment, from moving cross country to traveling across the world. Your love, words of advice, and even the constant requests for location updates to ensure my safety mean so much to me. I’ve loved becoming closer to my cousins and forming my own relationships with family members over the last few years. I’m happy for the holidays or conferences that brought family together out west, or even just the random trips planned! I’m proud to be a Kelly VanLent!

I’m grateful for my friends. The community in Reno helped make the west coast home for me. From the group dinners to watch Game of Thrones to the karaoke sessions where people had to listen to my terrible voice to the late night pizza. And that doesn’t even mention the moments from Custom Ink! How many people do you know that would redraw your face for a fundraiser or as part of their Inktober drawings?! I’m so excited for the action camera, rain jacket, and more that everyone gave me...but more importantly I’m grateful for the relationships formed.

I never expected so many people to visit me when in Reno (or so many people to say they want to come to Australia!) Many people have been surprised when I mention I’m going to another city to meet another friend - but having friends from elementary school and every other chapter of my life that choose to live in cool places to visit is definitely a plus! I love that there are friends I know are my travel buddies for life or who I can call from my car or tent to catch up. One of the most difficult part of packing my life was going through all my cards from over the years. My heart fought against my practical side of living minimalist (my heart won and I kept them! Memories!)

There really aren’t enough words I can say to express how thankful I am for each and every person I call family and friend. Thank you!!