Each year seems to go by faster than the last. And as each year passes, I am continually reminded how blessed I truly am and how much I have to be grateful for. 2015 has been a good year — a really good year. Full of experiences, it’s been a year where I am thankful for so much.

The past few years I may have struggled a little more to find things I was thankful for. Although my heart was still grateful, it was also filled with a lot of pain and uncertainty. Through the trials, I continued to trust the Lord and that He knew exactly what He was doing — even if I wasn’t sure of the path before me. And guess what? He did.

Goodness, where do I even begin? God has been so good to me this year. From the simple things of having food to eat every day, to a roof over my head and having so many freedoms, life is really, really good.

Relishing all of the experiences I had this year. From an amazing 30th birthday trip to San Francisco and Sonoma with my sister, to a press conference and Halloween partying with the governor to starting a new job, I feel beyond blessed for the opportunity to live life and soak in each and every moment.

Always so grateful for my family. These people are what keep me going, support me and always love me unconditionally.

The opportunity to volunteer and truly invest in my community. From volunteering as a judge at a salad dressing competition at the Iowa State Fair, to the World Food Prize, to AMA Iowa and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, volunteering fills my soul and my desire to make this world a better place one day at a time. An added bonus is all of the amazing people that I meet who have become friends.

Each and every professional experience I have had this year. From speaking at my alma mater, to receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to committing to starting my MBA next year, it’s been a really big year!

Friendsgiving! AKA my friends. Such a fun holiday tradition I have with my friends each year. Love each one of you! Thanks for bringing so much joy to my life.

Unbelievable opportunities to watch what God is doing in my life. The past few years He has guided my path, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Learning opportunities as I grow in friendships and in my faith. God has worked in my heart in a whole lot of ways this year, and I am so glad to be growing along the journey.

What are you grateful for this year? Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Angela