Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. The day we eat too much food, roll our eyes at the antics of our extended family, and think about all the things we’re grateful for. Or in my case, see if I can resist seconds of mashed potatoes so I can justify another dessert.
This Thanksgiving post is now an annual tradition on my blog. Three years ago, I revealed that the best reason for me to blog is all of you. The post two years ago reiterated that point with my gratitude for all the friends I’ve made via blogging and social media. Last year, I confessed my love of the blogging format because of the connections possible. And gee, what a surprise! All of you are still the best reason to blog! *smile*
There have been plenty of times over the last 3 1/2 years when I didn’t feel like blogging. When I’d rather be relaxing. When I’d rather be writing fiction. But I push myself to blog anyway because of you.
Okay, that’s enough to make it seem like I’m a glutton for punishment or blogging out a sense of obligation. Or maybe that’s enough to make you feel guilty for those expectations. Where’s the inspirational message there? *grin*
In every case (and I do mean every case), after I blogged and posted, I’ve been grateful for that push of knowing you were there and happy I spent the time writing for the blog. I’m excited to share the post with you. I’m eager to hear your insights on the issue. I’m energized by the conversations triggered in the comments.
In short, while words like “obligation” can have a negative connotation, I don’t see it that way, at least not in this case. The obligation I might feel to live up to expectations here have pushed me to do better, do more, do things even when I don’t feel like it. And all those qualities are good for me to develop.
We might not feel like querying or marketing or doing taxes, but we need to do those too (unless we don’t want to be successful and stay out of prison *smile*). So we all have to find the motivation for things we don’t want to do.
I’m lucky to have you because you make me glad I’ve stuck with this blog. I haven’t gotten nearly that same amount of positive reinforcement for my queries. *sigh* So yes, I’m grateful for you. *smile*
Is there anything special you’re grateful for this year? Are there people who push you to a higher level by having high expectations of you? Do expectations stress you out or energize you? (Or does it depend?) Do you ever dread activities and then are glad you pushed through the dread to have the experience?
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