I realize that Thanksgiving isn’t until tomorrow, but at some point I started posting every Monday and Wednesday, and I might as well just go with it. Besides, I think it’s important to stop and reflect on the good things in life more than just once a year. Give recognition and thanks whenever you can.
The past year has been absolutely amazing for me. I’ve written two complete novels, watched my sister get married to someone who is absolutely perfect for her, traveled to two foreign-ish countries (does Canada still count for me?), spent a week just enjoying life with my friends, signed with an amazing agent, adopted the most lovable, weirdest cats I’ve ever met, and bought a house (Almost. We’re so close).
Sometimes, life gets away from me, so I want to stop and take a few minutes to remember some of the wonderful things in life that I’m so lucky to have.
- My darling husband. Always number 1. He is everything I ever wanted in a husband. He’s my best friend, an amazing partner, and the most loving, generous person I know (also, totally hot and completely hilarious).
- I am surrounded by creative, giving people. Friends, family members, internet friends – everywhere I go, there are people I can talk to and be myself around, who accept me for who I am. That’s huge.
- Those adorable, furry little beasts. They run around like elephants in the middle of the night, but they’re sweet, lovable, and ridiculously entertaining.
- My critique partners. I know they’re included in #2, but Carey O’Connor, Kristin Wright, and Mary Ann Nicholson deserve a special mention. I’d be lost without them. And a special thank you to Kara Reynolds for agreeing to beta read my newest MS and pointing out my ridiculous typos even at the very end of her pregnancy (and with a newborn!).
- I am thankful that I am reasonably fit and healthy. No, I probably won’t be running any marathons or winning any fitness awards. Yes, I eat a lot of stuff I probably shouldn’t. But I work out 4-5 days a week, I’m strong, and I’m fairly confident I can last long enough in a zombie apocalypse not to bring shame to my family once I’m gone. That’s something.
- At this writing (about a week before posting) I am EXTREMELY THANKFUL that the closing on my house should be done before Thanksgiving. This is both a wish and an expression of gratitude, but there you go. I can’t wait to move into my new home, and I’m excited to be able to do it at a time that lets me get settled before the insanity of Christmas.
- Bonus: It will be cold enough when we move that I won’t have to worry about the frozen food or stuff in the refrigerator going bad. I could leave it in the trunk of my car all day if I wanted, and it’ll be… probably colder than the inside of the freezer, actually. Frozen milk will melt. Yay for one less thing to worry about on moving day!
- The ability to earn a living. I may not have the most exciting or fulfilling day job, but I have a means of paying the bills, and that’s worth a lot. Many people don’t have that. I don’t have to worry that the electric bill won’t get paid or whether I can afford to eat, and I’m so grateful.
- Clean drinking water. There are many countries where this basic human right is not taken for granted, and I need to remember that and be grateful. Indoor plumbing is a luxury, and I’m so glad to have it.
- My amazing agent. She is worth her weight in chocolate, and I’m so glad I managed to connect with someone who loves my book as much as I do.
For these things and so many more, I am very grateful. Life is good. Now, go hug your loved ones.