I'm thankful to have a passion. I'm passionate about my faith and family, but my writing is something different. It's something I do for myself. It doesn't save money, or pay the bills, or do the laundry. I used to feel unsettled that every one of my interests were connected to providing for my family (cooking, scrapbooking, sewing, etc.), but writing is in a league of its own.
I'm thankful for the power of words. Writing has given me a greater appreciation for the ways in which authors combine words in powerful ways. I've realized how difficult that is to accomplish. And I'm thankful that I'm learning to wield a little of that power myself.
I'm thankful for the writing community. I'd be hard-pressed to find a more generous and welcoming group of people. Those who take the time to help along others who are just beginning their journey. Each one makes me more determined to give back myself.
I can't forget to mention how thankful I am for my family. My long-suffering husband, and my four teenagers patiently put up with my passion. They endure "leftover leftovers", a dusty house, and a distracted mama--all the while cheering me on. I love you guys.
My list could go on, but I'll stop here. Now it's your turn.
How has writing made you thankful?
What a cool post to read this morning!
ReplyDeleteWriting has taught me so much about humility, about sticking with something even when it's painful, etc.
I'm thankful for learning to wait well.
~ Wendy
I really should have put waiting on my list, but I'll be doing a post on that soon. I think I learn more from waiting, than from getting what I'm aiming for!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Debbie...what a nice thing to ponder. I think I am thankful for writing because of who I've become. I am changed by the things I write and equally moved down different paths by the powerful writing of others. I think I need to think even longer about this...and that's why I like this question.
ReplyDeleteThank you , Meagan. I love your comment. I wish I'd thought of that, too!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I love this. Being thankful for having a passion really resonated with me. I love really giving myself to the work and I find I'm much better prepared to then focus on my family and other obligations. Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteIt really didn't dawn on me to be so thankful for writing until this week. You're right that not ignoring your writing will help you be able to focus on the others in your life. It works that way for me, too.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Debbie, I understand what you mean when you say you write just for you. I do the same. I was thinking recently that, although I certainly love my family, they don't define the sum total of who I am. I write to enrich my life as a *person* who also happens to be a mother, wife, daughter, etc. It really is a distinction we need to hold on to b/c our days can become fully consumed by providing for our families and co-running our households. One day all of our kids will have grown up and stepped out on their own. That's why it's so important to maintain a sense of self separate from anyone else. Through my writing, I hope to carve out a rewarding space of my own, where I can settle in for as long as I can afford and devote some of my passion and skill. For me, writing is a haven, and I am thankful for it!
ReplyDeleteSo well said, Janette. You ought to be a writer. Oh, wait! You already are. Loved the way you expressed exactly what I feel.
ReplyDelete~Debbie