Monday, November 22, 2010

Gratitude

Today I wanted to focus on a few things I am thankful for, considering that Thanksgiving is this week. So often it seems like all we can see or think about is what we don't have--what we haven't achieved yet. Or at least there are times when I find myself doing this. But really, I am very blessed and have SO much to be grateful for. This is only a short list of some of those things.

I am thankful for my love of writing. I'm grateful for the ability I have to do something I love so much. It can lift me when I'm down, or let me escape when I need a break. It takes me to places I've never been, and to meet people who are so very, very interesting. I love to write!

I am grateful for my incredible agent, Hannah. She is so supportive and believes in me 110%. She encourages me, helps me, guides me, and so much more. I couldn't have asked for a better agent and friend.

I am thankful for the amazing online writing community. I am constantly amazed at how kind and generous and amazing you all are. I've met some truly incredible friends through blogs and twitter and other places. Seriously, you guys blow my mind. Thank you for everything. Wow.

I am grateful for my friends--those who I've known for years and years, who have supported and believed in me no matter what, through everything. And for friends I've met more recently who have kept me going when I doubted, or kept me strong when I was weak, or who make me laugh whether I'm happy or sad. All of you who cheer for me and make me feel like I am special and important in someone else's life. Thank you. I hope you feel as though I return the sentiment and favors, at least in part.

I am thankful for amazing family: for parents who taught me to go for my dreams and gave me wings. For a mom who is one of my best friends. For my sisters who cheer , and read my books, and give me advice and love, and who are also some of my dearest friends. I may be the oldest, but I learn from all of you. For my aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents--all who believe (or believed when they were alive) and share their love and friendship. I am truly blessed.

And most of all--I am grateful for my husband, who is unwavering in his faith in me. His support and belief has lifted me when I was sinking. He mends my wings when they are failing, he gives me the strength to always move forward. And my two boys... they are my reward for everything. I couldn't have asked for two cuter, sillier, smarter little guys who love me so much. And since I am a person of faith, I hope no one will be offended by this, but I must express my gratitude to my Savior. I am nothing -- and can aspire to be nothing -- without Him.

There is so much more I could list, but I will let that suffice for now, especially since this already sounds like an epically long acceptance speech or something. (No, I haven't won any awards or anything. I just am feeling very grateful right now.)

I am going to take a small break for the rest of the week to enjoy the holiday and catch up on some other projects and work. I hope all of my friends in the U.S. have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And everyone else, I hope you have a great end of November. ;)

Now it's your turn! What are you thankful for this week?

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I am grateful for ALL the same things as you--except that I'll add one more son and a daughter to the list!

Have a wonderful, restful week off. I just took one and it did me wonders.

Lola Sharp said...

Oh, it must be in the air today...I just did a thankful post too. :) We are blessed to have so much to be thankful for.

Have a wonderful week. Happy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Lola

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

I LOVE thankful posts. I think we don't take enough time to count our blessings. And you, my dear, are so very blessed. I love that you know it, and that you give back with posts like this. Your friends, your family, and your blog followers are all just as blessed to have you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Colene Murphy said...

Lovely! This week is so nice already with all the thankful posts. Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for and that is so awesome.

Colene Murphy said...

Forgot, you have an award should you want it.

Shari said...

I enjoyed hearing about your gratitude. It makes me grateful, too--for my blessings and that I know you.

Regina said...

That is an incredible list and pays tribute to those dear to you. Wonderful. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to write, be me and make some new friends along the way. I am thankful for my family and friends too!

The Dixon Family said...

I'm thankful for posts about thankfulness! Enjoy the holiday with your cute family.

Jennie Bailey said...

I am thankful for all your advice and your complete honesty about your journey. You're very inspiring! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

DL Hammons said...

I am grateful for the links...the links that lead me here to your blog as well as so many others that have given me inspiration. This community is such a rare gift, a collection of like-minded individuals who we've gotten to know from the inside out.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Sara!!