Today, my heart is full of gratitude as I reflect on the blessings of family and love. Coming from a big family on both my mom’s and dad’s side, I’ve always had a deep connection to the roots that shaped me. As the eldest grandchild, I grew up with a unique sense of responsibility. Being the oldest wasn’t just a title—it was a role, a duty, and sometimes, a heavy burden. But through it all, I decided to keep trucking amongst the odds, and today, I’m proud to share how that decision has shaped my journey.
Growing up as the eldest meant being a trailblazer for my siblings and cousins. I was the first to experience many of life’s challenges and triumphs, often navigating uncharted territory with little guidance. At times, the weight of being the “example” felt overwhelming. But it also taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of perseverance.
Gratitude for My Family
I am so grateful for the love, lessons, and support that my family has given me. My big family was and continues to be my village. From gatherings filled with laughter to quiet moments of advice and encouragement, they’ve been my anchor.
Shoutouts to my loved ones a host of cousins, uncles, aunts & relatives and friends! Whether it was my parents’ unwavering belief in my potential or the younger generation looking up to me for guidance, their presence has always reminded me that I’m never alone.
Special thanks to my praying Psalms 91 grandmother Jeanette Jones—she is deeply missed. Her words of wisdom, our heartfelt conversations, and even our virtual cookouts before "virtual" became a thing are memories I hold close to my heart.
The Role of Being the Eldest
Being the eldest grandchild shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I felt the unspoken expectation to be strong, to lead, and to rise above challenges. While those expectations were sometimes daunting, they became the foundation of my determination. Every obstacle became an opportunity to prove to myself and my family that no matter what life threw at me, I could keep going.
Keeping Trucking Through the Odds
Life hasn’t always been easy. There were moments when the odds seemed stacked against me—moments when giving up felt like the simpler option. But I knew that quitting wasn’t in my DNA. I chose to lean into the lessons my family instilled in me: the value of hard work, the importance of faith, and the unyielding belief that every setback is a setup for a comeback.
I kept trucking because I knew that my perseverance wasn’t just for me. It was for the younger generation watching me, for the family who prayed for my success, and for the legacy I wanted to build.
Gratefulness Fuels My Journey
Today, as I reflect on how far I’ve come, I’m filled with gratitude. Grateful for the struggles that strengthened me. Grateful for the family that uplifted me. And most of all, grateful for the decision to keep moving forward when the road ahead looked uncertain.
To anyone reading this who feels the weight of responsibility or the burden of being the “first” in their family to pave the way: keep trucking. Lean into gratitude, embrace the lessons of your journey, and remember that your perseverance is a light for others.
Being the eldest taught me that life is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving, even when the odds are against you. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Cheers to the 3 key components that helped me on my journey to GreatFULness......
Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. These don’t have to be monumental moments; even small joys, like a warm cup of coffee or a kind word from a friend, can shift your mindset. Over time, you’ll notice how much you have to appreciate in your life.
Express Gratitude to Others: Take time to thank the people who’ve made an impact on your journey. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a quick text, or a handwritten note, expressing gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also deepens your sense of appreciation for those around you.
Practice Mindful Gratitude: Pause throughout your day to reflect on what’s going well. In moments of stress or challenge, remind yourself of the things you’re grateful for in that moment. Mindful gratitude helps you stay present and focus on the positives, even when life feels overwhelming.
What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
Keep Trucking, Meighan Cole
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