Giving Thanks to Challenges
Last year right around this time, I posted a list of naughty things that I was thankful for. You can revisit that list by going here, if you’d like. And no, your eyes aren’t lying to you, another year has gone by. 
Crazy, isn’t? For me, like for many people I know this past year has been, well, it has been challenging in many ways; challenging in both my professional and my personal life.
And in some ways those challenges have crossed paths, intersected and touched each other, which made things even more challenging. Now with all that being said, I’ve also been fortunate to get more than just a glimpse of a rainbow or two even though the sky was often filled with ominous, gray clouds; threatening to storm all the time. So I suppose I’m a believer that if life gives you grapes, you don’t let them dry up into raisin, but instead, you make vino and then you share your creation with friends. In other words it’s important to try and find the opportunities within every challenge.
Sometimes those opportunities are skimming the surface and ready for you to grab them, or sometimes they’re hiding and not ready to come out yet, but those opportunities are there. Here are a few ways that I made the most of the grapes life handed me this year…I decided to make grappa…:
-
Losing a job has made me truly think about my life and where I’m going. Its made me focus on what the hell I want to be doing. As frustrating and infuriating as this job loss has been, I’m actually thankful, because I’m steps away from moving into a completely different and more rewarding career.
-
When you’re Down and out in Beverly Hills or, Cleveland, boy, do you find out who your true friends are. I’m so thankful to have such wonderful family and friends ever present in my life. And that goes for all blogosphere friends out here too. I feel the love, baby.
-
I’ve been given the gift of time this year. I’m thankful for this wonderful, priceless gift and feel that I’ve used the time wisely.
-
I’m thankful that it’s late November as I post this and it’s still gloriously sunny and relatively warm in Cleveland, Ohio. *Gets down on my knees* Oh, thank you sun God for stretching out the gorgeous autumn season for as long as possible. Um, would it be too much to ask if we could hold onto this weather through March, 2010? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
What are you thankful for this year? What’s your rags to riches story?
Neve Black
I love your outlook on things.
I have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, a good home. I’m thankful that I’m able to pursue my passion for writing and to be able to share with like-minded authors in a way I couldn’t really have not so many years ago. Friends like you.
Oh, and I too am thankful for this lovely, lingering fall…
All the best to you this Thanksgiving!
I don’t know where to start for my Thankful list this year. This is my first Turkey Day in the erotica blogland…and I think the warm welcome and wonderful friends I’ve found here are tops on my list. It’s been quite the year so far, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Hi Craig,
Thank you. My outlook is a constant work in progress with lots of process improvement. How’s that for corporate job lingo?
What a nice, warm and very thoughtful list of items you have to be thankful for. Ditto to friends like you too. Enjoy your day tomorrow.
Cheers and Ole’ (a little Sommer whenever we can)
Hi Scarlett,
You’re so cute. “…I don’t know where to start for my Thankful list this year…” Well, I think it’s a wonderful to have so much to be thankful for that you don’t know where to begin. Yah to you and Mr. Greyson. Meeting you both this year was a highlight for me. My peeps! My peeps!
Have a wonderful day tomorrow. And yes, cheers and Ol’ (thanks to Sommer)
Yep, this mild, slow fall into winter, it’s so slow I hardly know what’s coming. In that light, my first and only haiku so far, published exclusively here for you Neve,
be gentle with me
do not turn your back too soon
don’t go cold too fast
Thanks for the miles of smiles you’ve shared. Your bubbliness. Your verve!
And especially that link to Melody Gardot!!!
Have a lovely day tomorrow, we have lots to be thankful for,
xx
Isabel,
Has anyone ever told you that you write, really, really, really well? :-))) I love your haiku, Isy. Simple, elegant and gorgeous, just like you, babe. Thank you for that little gift.
You bring tears to my eyes. Tears of joy, but still…thank you for such a wonderful compliment. Big Italian hug to you and your family tomorrow.
and one to you. Thanks.
xx
Hey Neve! For sure, it’s been a challenging year - but, you’re right, there’s much to be thankful for. Change is good! Hang in there, baby! Life’s not bad, and the best is yet to come for all of us!
Hi Marina,
Ohhhhh, it’s so great to hear your voice out here. I’ve missed you little, chica.
Yes, it’s how we deal with those challenges I suppose that help create them into opportunities and great stories too. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day and weekend. I hope to hear more from you.
Kisses to Isabel. :-0
Thank you for sharing this, Neve, and happy Thanksgiving.
Gratitude seems indescribable to me right now.
Love.
Oh, Emerald,
You’re so welcome. Happy Holidays to you, to include white, black, and a multi-colored Friday as well.
I love that your gratitude seems indescribable. That so rocks, chica!