Giving thanks for the little things (Brenda Hiatt)

I’m writing this on Thanksgiving day even though it won’t post here for two more days. That's because writing on Thanksgiving is perfect for helping me to focus on all the things I’m grateful for and it's putting me in an ideal frame of mind for the rest of this special day! 

One of my goals this year has been to remember to be grateful for all the little things that surround me each day--those things that are way too easy to take for granted. Things like waking up healthy every morning, with full use of my arms and legs. Having working electricity and safe, drinkable water with the flip of a switch or the turn of a tap. Having enough food to eat, a solid roof over my head, a functioning car to drive. I now keep a “blessings journal” on my nightstand and each night before bed I write down at least three things I’m thankful for. It’s a great reminder, especially on those days when I’ve paid more attention to the negatives than the positives in my life. 

For this post, though, I want to talk about all the things I’m specifically grateful for as a writer.

  

First and foremost, I’m grateful for my ability to spin stories—a gift I sometimes forget isn’t universal. I'm thankful for the help I’ve received over the years in making my stories better, help from writer friends and the numerous editors I had during my traditional publishing days. My writer friends have also been a wonderful support network over the years, offering advice, sharing wisdom borne of experience and just being there for me during the inevitable ups and downs of this crazy career. I’m exceedingly thankful that I live in a time and place where I have access to a lot of truly remarkable technology, without which I doubt I ever would have attempted to become a published author. Not just my computers, each one better, faster (and often cheaper!) than the previous one, but also the amazing Internet that links me to all those writer friends I mentioned above. All of my best friends and even my family live at a distance these days, but all I have to do is open my laptop or pick up my cellphone to interact with them. How cool is that?? I even get to have regular video chats with my 16-month-old grandson in Germany! (Okay, not writing-related, but something I’m hugely thankful for.) 

Finally and most importantly, I need to express my immense gratitude for all the readers out there (yes, this means YOU!) for allowing me to make an actual living from my writing. I especially appreciate those of you who take the time to write reviews and send me notes—often when I’m most in need of a little lift. (Seriously, it’s like you KNOW!) Though I’ve had several books make bestseller lists and win awards, it’s the positive feedback I get from readers like you that I appreciate the most. 

That’s why this Thanksgiving I’m taking this opportunity to say