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As I sat down to write my writer’s gratitude list for my annual Thanksgiving blog post and email, I wondered whether I was really meeting my readers where you are today. I hear from so many friends, clients and colleagues who feel challenged right now.
Is my annual writer’s gratitude list appropriate? Pollyanna-ish?
Then I remembered, in uncertain times, it’s especially helpful to remember that we don’t control what goes on “out there” but we can find calm, wellbeing and joy in our hearts, no matter what. Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to change our mindset and transform our emotions.
And from that place, we can make a big difference! For one, we can write in a way that inspires ourselves and our readers.
One thing I am so incredibly grateful for is the journey to Thailand last month—the realization of a childhood dream. I overcame some hefty fears to get there and travel alone. Thanks to Sebastien Leblond and NLP Top Coach for inviting me, believing we could turn an 8 week workshop into a 3 day in-person plus follow up by video conference, and co-creating a powerful experience for a group of world-servers.
I arrived that first day feeling lost and tuckered out. Our luncheon discussion and brainstorm about Seb’s book made me feel 100% at home and engaged. And the pad thai was out of this world!
I’m grateful for the way my muse showed up in Bangkok—and the many hours of almost feverish writing that took place in a mere 10 day span. I’m grateful for my QiGong teacher Leah Franklin and the QiGong Practice, which provided energy and vitality throughout each day and made those late night writing forays possible.
I’m also grateful for Seb’s encouragement—and lessons—on using public transportation, particularly the Sky Train; and to the three ladies at the museum gift shop who jointly described which bus to catch (of a list of over 20!) and where, in order to get to a vegan restaurant. These transit lessons were liberating and helped me see the city in a way that a taxi could not. I do believe I grew as a person as I opened up to courage and spontanaity.
Has a specific experience changed your life in some way this year? Share your gratitude as a comment below!
Here’s my list of writing-related gratitude to get us started. Please share what you feel grateful for this year, too, especially as a writer!
I could go on, but let me, instead, offer you a chance to share your writer’s gratitude list of things we are grateful for. Oops, but before that, let’s thank a few people.
My clients whose books continue to inspire and teach me new, amazing things; who are a joy to coach and so much fun to brainstorm with. You bring my best self to the fore.
I am grateful that the bit of writing I did share recently moved people meaningfully, and encouraged me to do more. (I learned my voice is meant to be shared.) And I am grateful to read that you’re vegan, Lisa. I am, too. Here is a Facebook video about the wonder of turkeys: https://www.facebook.com/theKarenDawn
That’s so wonderful to get encouragement and support, Carol. Good for you for reaching out (and of course for writing in the first place!). Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi Lisa,
Happy Thanksgiving Day and as ever many thanks for the inspiration.
Here’s a quick list of the people and things that I am most grateful to & for this morning:-
Sharon Stone for permission to use her name as an acronym 🙂
Lisa, Seb & Luke for bringing your sunny smile to Bangkok and sharing your love of writing
My muse for being there with a smile an encouraging word when I need her
My beautiful fountain / ink pen for flowing nicely along with the words when the occasion arises
My map of the world for the constant inspiration I get every day and in every way to observe, reflect & process
My coaches and teachers over the years from whom I have learnt how to play golf, manage projects, negotiate a sale, speak in public, write in private, to explore the world within, to better understand the worlds of others and so many other life skills to share with others
The inventor of the Kindle for giving instant access to books of all types and writing styles
Finally to YOU for reading this far 🙂
Howard, I love it! Entertaining, inspiring and specific–which, as you know, is the hallmark of strong writing. And I am honored to be on this list. What a fun class we had. I hope to attend some book signings in Bangkok and celebrate your book and the others’!
Thank you for your list of gratitude, which I can fully support.
I want to write a book , and I don’t know exactly how to start
Hi Gisela,
You’ve come to the right place! What kind of book do you want to write? Is it how-to/self-help, memoir, other nonfiction or fiction? Or something else…
Lisa:
I am grateful that I was connected to you. My book was in a draw for twelve years. Today it is in the hands of many people who are so excited to have a Custom Journal to give to people they love!
For this I am most grateful!
I am so happy to hear I inspired you, Ginney. I love the journal! Thank you for sending me one. It’s a great gift for people looking for gift ideas.