Wednesday, November 2, 2016

IWSG: A Thankful Heart . . .

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers. It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.

Our awesome co-hosts for October are:
Joylene Nowell Butler
Jen Chandler
Mary Aalgaar
 Lisa Buie Collard
Tamara Narayan
Tyrean Martinson
Christine Rains


A Thankful Heart . . .  
With the changing of the seasons and rapidly approaching holidays, my thoughts have turned a bit nostalgic.  Remembering past holidays with family members that are now gone makes me wish I could revisit those simpler times and once again sit around my mother's Thanksgiving table as each family member in turn offers thanks - sharing what they are most thankful for before diving into a scrumptious meal including roasted turkey with all the trimmings.  It's a tradition that I continue today with my extended family and friends as we welcome all into our home to share a traditional, Southern Thanksgiving meal and give thanks for our many blessings.  Family, friends, health - all things I give thanks for every day.  Our home in the rural southern countryside, the many sights & sounds of nature, the breathtaking view of stars twinkling in the night sky - all blessings.  Laughter, love, and yes, a few tears - truly a blessing.  

Finally having the opportunity to devote time and attention to my writing career is another thing I am so thankful for.  It's been a long time coming with many real life detours and roadblocks along the way.  It's still a journey in progress - one filled with both the thrill of success and the agony of defeat.  Which leads me to this month's question:

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
This is a simple question for me.  My favorite aspect of being a writer is having the ability to do what I love to do which is write!  That's the bottom line.  A person who loves their "job" is a lucky, blessed person indeed.  And while I wear many hats and titles - "writer" is the one I have dreamed of the longest, the one I knew I would own someday.  I love sitting down at the keyboard and bringing a story, article, or post to life.  And I'm so thankful that I am now at the point in my life where I get to do that.  I'm also so grateful for the amazing writers/authors I've met on this journey who have generously shared their expertise and friendship.  Both are priceless!  Thank you.

 A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart!  Writing makes me happy.  What makes your heart happy?



10 comments:

Chrys Fey said...

It would've been neat if this month's question had to do with what IWSG members are thankful for. Perhaps next year.

Loving writing is the only way that I can write. :)

Sandra Hoover said...

I find myself feeling very nostalgic this time of year. I have such fond memories of Thanksgiving growing up. Even the leaf raking & picking up pecans that occurred after the big meal! :) Thanks for stopping by, Chrys.

Anna W. said...

I want to say I'm so proud of you for being able to do what you truly wish to do full time. That must be an amazing feeling. Keep this in mind when you hit the next writing road block. Seriously, bookmark this post and label it "writing block" on your computer. Remember that you write because you love it.

Sandra Hoover said...

Awesome advice, Anna! I'll do that. I can't say I write full-time as I do help run my husband's business and handle things in & out of the house. But I am committed to writing and doing what I love more than ever before. Thanks for coming by today. :)

Diane Burton said...

I'm so thankful that I can write, that some people like what I write, that my family supports me. I love writing, creating. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it.

Nancy Gideon said...

You got that right (or write!), Sandra. Doing what you love. It doesn't get much better. Here's to holiday nostalgia and the family we were born with and have gathered over the years!

Sandra Hoover said...

Do what you love and you'll never "work" a day in your life! Very true if one is lucky enough to do it! I'm feeling very blessed right now...in all areas of my life.

Sandra Hoover said...

That's what it's all about - doing what you love. I haven't always done that, so I know the difference! I'm making up for lost time now! :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

I love your happy, thankful post, and Thanksgiving is the best!
IWSG co-host Mary at Play off the Page

Sandra Hoover said...

Thanks Mary! A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart! :) Thanks for co-hosting!