Oprah Winfrey shared the photo above as she preps a dish for her 2012 Thanksgiving feast.

The media mogul is one of my many inspirations and seeing her with a pan in her hand, even though I know she handed it to the help after the flash, inspired me to cook a lil something today too (one day only).

There are many things I’m thankful for and since today is designated for us all to “give thanks,” I’ll share some of them with you.

2012 has been a year of discovery for me, both personally and professionally. Life is crazy and it can seriously suck at times, and while things absolutely NEVER turn out the way I want them to, they always turn out for the best.

I now realize that sometimes unanswered prayers can actually be God’s blessings.

There have been many a day that I wanted to walk away from blogging. It ain’t easy being me. Trust. I’m not perfect and have never professed to be.?

I’m just a chick with an opinion.

While it is great to be able to express my thoughts to the world, it’s also a burden I bear daily. Since starting this journey, I’ve met people I “thought” were friends. I even let a few into my circle who should never have been allowed access.

“I asked God to protect me from my enemies and I started losing friends… “

I’ve learned quite a few lessons… some came easily while many had to be learned the hard way. That being said, I’d like to share a few of the things that I’m most thankful for… today and EVERYDAY.

I’m thankful for the ability to stay sane when I’m often surrounded by people who feel that money and material objects trump morals and values.

I’ve had quite a few “friends” along my path this year who were lost in the shuffle… and while I didn’t believe them the first time they showed me who they were (as Oprah herself would advise), my vision eventually became clear.

For that I am thankful.

I’m thankful that I have people who believe in me and encourage me daily. That includes family members, friends and even some people I’ve never even met personally.

You never know who’s watching you, and as I make my way through this life I’ve been granted, I’ve come across strangers who have actually thanked ME for encouraging THEM to shoot for their goals. I can’t even express how humbling it is to have someone you’ve never met tell you that you inspire them. Especially when you often feel overwhelmed and uninspired.

I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity… given a VOICE when at one point I didn’t have one.

I’ve shared the story many times in the past about being fired from my “good” corporate job, but for those of you who’ve never heard it, I lost my job after speaking up for other employees who were being treated unfairly.

I had a cushy job and it certainly wasn’t in jeopardy… that is, until I spoke up. First I did so anonymously and then I went to the EEOC to report the situation. Once I did that… it was a wrap! The cushy “good” corporate job I’d held for almost 10 years became my daily nightmare after HR found out I was the one who spoke up. I was demeaned, demoted and subsequently dismissed.

And I’m thankful for that pink slip I received on June 29, 2007!

I started StraightFromTheA.com that very night when I got home and I can’t believe that was over 5 years ago. I’d read blogs like Sandra Rose and Crunktastical for years and for some reason, figured I could start my own.

Those two creative individuals are now my peers as well as my inspiration and for that I am also thankful.

All in all, I’m most thankful that I can honestly say I have no regrets.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are some things that you are THANKFUL for?