Gratitude

Here in the states, today is Thanksgiving.

Despite its problematic and revisionist history, in our current day and age, it's one of our least commercialized holidays. (Excluding Black Friday)

It is the day where most of us gather with friends and family, to feast, and celebrate togetherness. No gifts, no gimmicks, no themed stuffed animals, unless you count the turkey (and most people I know fix the stuffing separately, but really, no one wants to call it 'dressing', because that's what goes on salads, not a bread filled casserole-thing).

Just food and togetherness. And a moment to stop and think and appreciate all the things we have.

For those who can't be with their loved ones for the holidays, and those who have complicated family and friend relationships, my heart goes out to you and yours.

For those who would rather just stay home and away from everything, who am I to stop you from celebrating -or not- in your own way.

But for me, in honor of the holiday, I'd like to share a few of the things I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for my family - they're supportive, encouraging, and understanding of my hobby/unpaid night-job. (Plus, they're all readers)

I'm thankful for my real-life friends - they're excited to see me pursue my dreams, hopeful for me. Plus, I know that they've got my back and will show up if I just ask.

I'm thankful for my online writer-friends - they're right there in the trenches with me. Together, we're making progress and pushing forward. Helping each other when we can, cheering each other's wins, sympathising with each other's rejections, in a way only someone who's been there can do.

I'm thankful for my local Nova Nanites community - the one that has tons of write-ins, so no matter where I am, there's usually one nearby. Even during the 'off-season'. With friendly people, all united by a goal: get those words in!

I'm thankful for YOU, my blog followers - the ones who read, the ones who like my posts, the ones who comment. You're out there, sharing this adventure with me.

I'm thankful for my day-job - that allows me to eat and pay the bills and still leaves me with the time and energy to do this unpaid job that I love.

Speaking of, I'm thankful for my NEW day-job - I'll be starting right after the holiday weekend, with its welcoming people, and its proximity that is much closer to many of my local friends and family.

I'm thankful for the utilities that go into my life - electricity to power my things, for my internet, and my laptop, and my phone.

So that even when I'm alone and writing, there's a network of people out there, listening whenever I reach out and share.




Thank you.