The past 11 months have been a whirlwind of change, and in the hustle and bustle of it all, the year has slipped right through my fingers. It feels like no time has passed at all since we rang in 2019, yet suddenly, the holiday season is in full swing with Thanksgiving less than a week away. My Mike Kelly Law Group family will tell you that I can be a bit of a Grinch around the holidays; I love my work and the fast pace of it, so when we close up shop for days on end, I feel restless instead of relaxed. But when I pause to consider all that has transpired this year, both in my personal life and my professional one, I suspect that I might benefit greatly from a short reprieve; it will allow me to catch my breath and process the events of the year, but more importantly, to reflect on and give thanks for the joyous ones.

First and foremost, I thank the Good Lord for the gift of life and for allowing me to celebrate another Thanksgiving! I give thanks for the blessings that bring purpose and light into my life: my family, friends, and loved ones; the opportunity to make a difference in this world through my law practice; my wonderful clients and co-workers; my faith and beloved church; my health—and the list goes on and on. Of course, my football team is having a rough go of it this year…but let’s not dwell on that one! Even when the Gamecocks let me down, I am fortunate to have wonderful people around me to lift me up, a lifetime of memories that warm my heart and bring a smile to my face, and new opportunities and experiences to look forward to. So with that, I think I will give myself permission to slow down this Thanksgiving in order to count my blessings and digest all that has transpired this year (and, of course, lots of turkey!).