Thanksgiving may have been last week, but the holiday season is a good time to be thankful for what we have and who we cherish. So, when fellow fantasy writer Elizabeth Rawls nominated me for the “Be Thankful” Challenge,  I knew I couldn’t let this one wait. (Thank you, E.!)

The rules for The “Be Thankful” Challenge are:

• Share the “Be Thankful” image in your blog post.
• Write about 5 people in your life you are thankful for.
• Write about 5 things in 2015 that you are thankful for.
• Spread the love and challenge 5 other blogs to take part.

So, let me share with you some of the people and things I’m most grateful for…

Five People (or Groups of People) I’m Thankful For

1. My Family: For everything they’ve done for me all my life. We may not always see eye to eye, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
2. My Offline Friends: For listening and extending a helping hand when I needed it most. For encouraging me to follow my dreams and having the courage to share their honest opinions about my writing. For reminding me that we adults can still have fun, and for letting me be a part of their lives.
3. My Blogging & Writerly Pals Online: This includes YOU! 😉 Thank you for cheerleading me, sharing my love of books (and recommending new ones I should read!), and simply being your awesome self.
4. Allan G. Hunter: An author of spiritual and self-exploration novels, he’s also a literature and writing professor at my alma mater, Curry College. I learned so much from his classes and continue to visit him every semester. I’m grateful for his wisdom and thoughtful intelligence, and for saying these seven magical words the week before I graduated: “You need to get your work published!” 🙂
5. My Reiki Master, Irene: I met her in January 2014 for my first appointment, and have been going to her ever since. She’s a wonderful spiritual guide, full of insight, understanding, and uproarious humor. I never leave her practice without giving her a huge hug and thanking her for everything she’s done for me.

Five Things I’m Thankful For In 2015

These are more or less concepts than tangible, physical objects, but they were the first five things I thought of for this section:

1. Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: If I had to pick a phrase that defined my 2015, this would be it. Between archery lessons, going to my first literary conference outside of my local area (and my first solo vacation), and trying to be more honest with people about my feelings (something that I’ve struggled with for a long time), I’ve learned a lot about courage and taking beneficial risks – both of which are invaluable.
2. My Health: I’ve never had any serious illnesses, but sometimes I’ve stressed myself out to the point of making myself sick. Bad idea. Now I do my best to recognize the signs early and stave off physical stress through meditation and self-care. If you don’t have your health, it’s hard to enjoy other aspects of life as you should.
3. My Faith: I don’t follow a specific religion. Instead, I combine a few spiritual practices (meditation, prayer, journaling, etc.) that have helped me center myself, keep my mindset positive, and remember to be grateful for even the littlest things. It’s always there when I need guidance or soothing.
4. Writing: Why not? It’s my purpose in life. I’ve known this since I was as young as 7 or 8 years old; and though I’ve still got a ways to go before I reach my goal of being published, I’m thankful every day for the ability to express myself, share my (crazy) imaginings, and put myself out there in ways that verbal communication can’t.
5. My Home: I love my condo. It’s not big and fancy, but it’s a cozy haven that’s just right for me. All I really need is space to cook, eat, sleep, take care of myself, entertain guests when time allows, and feel safe. (Oh, and to write and read!) That’s what my home has given me, along with the opportunity to make my own priorities, decorate as I choose, and freely be myself.

My Nominees For The “Be Thankful” Challenge

Let’s see… Who haven’t I nominated yet or recently for awards or challenges? How about these lovely bloggers? 🙂 And if you choose to participate, be sure to link back to my post so I can read yours!

1. Aberdeen @ A Glimpse of Starlight
2. Abigail @ Rambling Writer
3. Mariella Hunt @ Life, Literature, & Coffee
4. Sahara Foley @ Readers’ Junction
5. Victoria Grace Howell @ Stori Tori Blog

What and/or who are you most thankful for this year? Do you do anything specific to show your gratitude to others?