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, try not to let my pathetic NaNoWriMo performance dampen my enjoyment of the day. *sob*
(Eh, since I was never planning on winning—just hoping to get words in—my only disappointment is that I haven’t been as good at getting words in as I’d like, but it really hasn’t helped that I’ve been sick for a big part of the month. My “sultry” voice from a sore throat turned into constant coughing that’s been keeping me awake. *sigh*)
This Thanksgiving post is now an annual tradition on my blog:
- Seven years ago, I revealed that the best reason for me to blog is all of you.
- The post six years ago reiterated that point with my gratitude for all the friends I’ve made via blogging and social media.
- Five years ago, I confessed my love of the blogging format because of the connections possible.
- Four years ago, I revealed that blogging for you pushes me—in a good way.
- Three years ago, I expressed my gratitude for the connections we make despite meeting only online.
- Two years ago, I noted how much sharing those connections added meaning to my life.
- And last year, I talked about how our connections with online friends can help fill in the holes left when real-life family or friends don’t understand us or stand divided from us.
And gee, what a surprise! All of you are still the best reason to blog! *smile*
Encouragement Comes from Connections
As I mentioned last year about my goals for social media, I’ve done a lot of listening and learning from people of all circumstances. Along the way, my respect for my online connections has only grown.
That’s especially true when it comes to all my health issues of the past year and a half. Whenever I’m having a bad health day, my online friends, blog commenters, social media buddies, etc. have all helped give me the strength to continue. And between my multiple surgeries and dozen-plus rounds of antibiotics, two antibiotic-resistant infections, and physical issues with walking, I’ve experienced a lot of bad days over the past year.
Encouragement, cheerleading, or just plain being an ear might seem simple or shallow…until that’s exactly what you need.
I’ve needed all the encouragement I could get, and that’s what I received from all of you. Thank. You.
I hope that my posts here, whether craft, business, or life-related have similarly helped and encouraged you. If it weren’t for you, I would have given up blogging over this past year—and then felt even more like a failure.
So even if all you do is read my posts, you’re helping me. You’re encouraging me to continue, and you’re making me feel like I can still accomplish tasks and have something to offer others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. *smile*
Learning from Others
It’s that same sense of encouragement and help for others that makes me so happy to share my blog with guest posters during NaNoWriMo month. I don’t know everything, and I’m only one perspective. But through the power of guest posts, we’ve been blessed to learn from others here.
I want to send out mega-thanks to all of my recent guest posters for sharing their knowledge and expertise:
- Bran L. Ayres shared tips for Writing with Diversity Even When We’re Not Sure How
- Jenny Hansen had 10 Ways to Make NaNoWriMo Work for You
- Lisa Hall-Wilson pointed out how to use Deep POV and Hidden Messages in Subtext
- Kassandra Lamb cautioned Don’t Let Impostor Syndrome Ruin Your Writing
- J. Rose helped us Create the Right Mindset to Be Productive
- Lisa Poisso told us about Picking Editors: Can We Combine Steps (and Save Money)?
- Christina Delay advised Don’t Let Worries Hold You Back from Writing
- Lisa Gail Green shares her 5 Ways to Recover from Being Stuck
…and next week, we’ll have:
- Susan Tuttle taking another look at Understanding Our POV Choices
- Jenna Victoria giving her from-the-trenches experience of Writing Despite Our Life’s Complications
Even though my NaNo progress is pathetic, I’m still getting more words done on my story than I would have without their help. And even better, we all learned something beyond our experience because they chose to share what they know. Win-win!
So as you finish up NaNo or enjoy this weekend, just know that I’m most grateful to all of you and I hope you find peace with others. Thank you! *hugs internet*
Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. readers
and Happy Thursday to everyone else. *smile*
Do you find that online connections help you just as much (or more) (or in different ways) than real-life connections? In what ways do your online connections help you? Does encouragement—even from those you don’t know in real life—help you during difficult times? What connections are you most grateful for? Is there anything special you’re grateful for this year?
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