Lessons in Gratitude Day Nine

I have always loved words and writing. From the time I was a kid I wrote books (yes, actual novels written in pencil on lined three-ring punched notebook paper) and poetry. When I was in second grade I was in the fourth grade spelling class because of a gift with words. I excelled in writing courses in high school and at one point thought I wanted to be a journalist when I grew up. And although I took a different academic path in college and beyond, writing was never far from me. I have often taken words and writing for granted. But tonight, I am grateful for literacy and being able to read and write.

Today I’ve spent a number of hours writing in some form or another. I’ve written a number of e-mails, worked on my profile on a job search website, took notes during a webinar I participated in this morning.  I read messages, blogs, articles on various websites. I’ve been reading and writing almost all day. I have been fortunate to have had access to higher education all the way through a Ph.D. There are many for whom reading and writing are a daily challenge.

During some of my struggles over the past several months it has been my ability to express myself in writing that has helped me to connect with people,  share thoughts and ideas, release emotions, clarify what steps I need to take to move forward, etc. Writing has kept me centered and grounded. In recent years I’ve written reports, strategic plans, articles, speeches, training manuals, letters, blogs and yes I still write novels and poetry (though I’ve moved from pencil and notebook paper to laptop.) I love words and I am grateful to the Creator for the role that reading and writing and speaking has played and will continue to play in my life.

Nine days ago I committed to writing each day about something(s) I am grateful for, and while the writing has helped me stay focused on the positive, I also hope my musings provide food for thought for those of you who are on this journey with me. I’m grateful to and for you as well.