Happy Thanksgiving Week, America! It’s hard to believe that it’s here already. One of my oldest and dearest friends is performing in the Macy’s Day Parade on Thursday, and Friday will bring leftover sandwiches and Secret Santa shopping. I love this time of year.

To celebrate, I thought I would share five things for which I’m truly thankful. Here they are:

1. My family

I am beyond blessed to have two loving, patient and kind parents who are always teaching me something beautiful about living life to the fullest. Along with them, I’m thankful for my two younger brothers and my dog, who, each in their own way, remind me to be here now. This family of mine is the greatest gift that anyone has ever given to me, and I love it more than words can say.

I’m also indescribably thankful for my extended family. Though they are 2,000 miles away, I hope that my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins can feel my love from the west.

2. My friends

Even this week—especially this week—I can’t begin to fathom how lucky I am to have such wonderful, perceptive and hilarious friends. Each and every one of them brings something different to my life. They make me a better writer and over-all person simply by existing, and I will never be able to thank them enough for touching my life so deeply. In Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Texas, Australia and right here in Colorado: I love you, guys.

3. My teachers

Where do I start? I’m thankful for all of my teachers, specifically my piano instructor/mentor, who taught and continues to teach me about the power of both words and music. I am unspeakably blessed and honored to be her friend.

I have said before and I’ll say again that I can’t even begin to thank my dance teachers for everything they’ve taught and continue to teach me. Dance isn’t just a career or a hobby. It’s a lifestyle, a family, an indescribable joy and a world that makes sense when nothing else does. It’s freedom, and balance and lifesong. To all of the wonderful women who taught me that: you have my infinite gratitude, and I love you all.

And to all of my coaches at Praxis: you guys rock my world. Thank you for your constant guidance and support.

4. Authors

Kristen Ciccarelli, L.M. Montgomery, Marissa Meyer, Cindy Martinusen-Coloma, Diane Lee Wilson, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Trenton Lee Stewart, Jojo Moyes, Shannon Hale, Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Jerry Spinelli, Heather Vogel Fredrick, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, Neal Shusterman, J.K. Rowling, Veronica Roth, Wendelin Van Draanen, Markus Zusak, Margaret Sidney and Noel Streatfield may never know just how much they influenced my life, along with uncountable others. I am eternally thankful for each and every one of them.

5. My readers

I am so thankful for YOU! Thank you for reading this blog, following me on social media, supporting me as I write and looking forward to the release of my debut novel with me. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I’m honored and thrilled to be a part of your life. Happy Thanksgiving to all!