21 Things To Be Thankful For

Some of you may know, last week I (finally) turned 21! 
(I think I'm the last person in the senior class of Ole Miss to turn 21 haha)
​So since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I wanted to write 21 things that I'm thankful for.

1. My Mom

What would I do without her? My mom is my mentor, my first role model, the first person I come to for advice, and my best friend. she always encourages me when I need it but also gives me the honest truth, even when I don't want to hear it, haha.I'm so grateful for a mom that is so vested in my life and cares about me so much. Love you lots and lots mom.

2. My dad

And of course I'm grateful for my ever present pageant dad. I'm grateful for the lessons he's taught me about hard work, perseverance, and determination. I'm grateful that he works so hard to provide our family with everything we need and everything we needed to achieve our goals.

3. My dog

Yes, my rescue dog Joey made the list. But why wouldn't he?? My sweet black ball of fur is the best welcome home I've ever had and he definitely makes the drive to Memphis worth it.

4. My sister

This past semester it's been so much fun to watch Christal discover college- and to watch her do well at it! It was such a special moment when she called me to tell me that she wanted to be a Phi Mu when she was going through recruitment at UT Knoxville, and it's been so special to share that bond with her. I'm so grateful that I get to share this with her for a lifetime!

5. My friendS

This year I've become so grateful for supportive friends in my life. I'm so blessed to have peers that support me and encourage me daily. 

6. My directors, Rodney, Keith, And Bobby

I'm so excited to work this year with this incredible team! These three are some of the most selfless, incredible people that I've ever had the pleasure of working with, and I'm so excited to be on this journey with them.

7. Oxford, Mississippi

I've come to know and love the town of Oxford as my home for the past four years and I've fallen so in love with it. It's hard to believe that I'll be graduating in just a semester in May. 

8. My dear friend and mentor, Ashley Grindstaff

Ashley, you are the big sister I've always dreamed of having. I've learned so much from you over the past two years. I'm so thankful God brought you into my life and that He brought you and I to be life long friends- I can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

9. My sweet, supportive, extended family

Over the past four years it's been so much fun to see how my extended family has become invested in my pageant career and philanthropic involvement- I think it should be said that while it takes a village to raise a child, it takes several villages to raise a pageant girl haha. I'm so grateful for such a big family that supports whatever I set my mind to.

10. My mentor and second mother, Janet Richardson

Mrs. Janet you truly are a part of our family. We are always so grateful to have you as a part of our lives and we love you dearly! I'm so grateful for you and your sweet family and for welcoming me into your home!

11. Don Baker

Don was one of the most influential people in my life. Losing him this past year made me grateful for the time that I was allowed to spend with him. He taught me how to be mentally tough and prioritize what really matters in life. I'm incredibly grateful for the time I shared with him and the lessons I learned, even if that time was cut too short.

12. Hazelnut Coffee creamer

My mom has me hooked on Hazelnut coffee creamer- it's kind of the bomb and makes how sore I am after morning workouts a little bit easier.

13. Long drives through back roads in tennessee

Because really what's better than driving through the beautiful scenery of Tennessee?

14. Morning coffee and devotions

Each morning I set aside 15 minutes to spend time with My Maker. Before I do anything and start my day, I think it's so important to start my day by setting aside 15 minutes to spend time reading about what I should set my mind on and be striving towards.

15. "off" weekends

Some of my favorite weekends involve going to bed early and taking time to relax and take care of myself. I love getting to have a weekend filled with bubble baths, scented candles, and lots of naps!

16. being able to pursue an education at ole miss

I'm always grateful for my education at Ole Miss. I've learned so many hands on lessons from the Meek School of Journalism and for our Public Relations program - I'll always be grateful for what this University has taught me and the lessons I've taken from this incredible place.

17. the nail bar of oxford

I mean it's the little things in life. I love getting my nails done and having fun with them and i'm SO glad they opened the Nail Bar of Oxford- and of course for Nethan's creative skills that he loves to use on my nails. (If you follow me on instagram @christineelectra, you can see some of his work!)

18. the miss america organization

The Miss America Organization has helped me find my place and my purpose in the world. MAO has transformed me from a nervous, award 17-year-old high school girl into a confident, well spoken young woman. I'm forever indebted to this organization for all that I've learned from the volunteers involved - I've met some of my best friends and biggest role models through MAO, and earned a pretty decent amount of scholarship dollars too! MAO has changed me for the better, and I'm so grateful for it's placement in my life.

19. Morning Cardio

Never thought I'd let those words escape my mouth. But this year fasted morning cardio has become my sanity, and I legitimately think my brain correlates cardio on the stair master a therapy.

20. Being a part of Phi Mu

Phi Mu has given me life long friends, mentors to look up to, a philanthropy to foster, and a home away from home; I'm glad every day that I joined!

21. long walks at whirlpool trails

Walking and clearing my head through whirlpool trails keeps me sane- during the fall, it's always so beautiful and peaceful - I'm always happy on days when I get to go for long walks on these trails!

Those are the 21 of the things I'm thankful for! What are you thankful for?