Grateful for the Ride

Two weeks ago I blogged about some of the things I'm grateful for here - like family and electricity. But I thought of one I didn't mention. Today I'm grateful for my writing journey.

Over the weekend I decided to document my experiences since I started seriously writing seven years ago. As I wrote down the things I've done in that time, I realized how much I've grown as a writer and as a person. I'm thankful for this journey thus far, even though I still have dreams/goals I haven't yet accomplished.

Some people say this business is like riding a roller coaster, but I think being on a Ferris wheel is more apt of a comparison. In the past seven years, there have been times of soaring height, times of plummeting lows, and times of waiting - either at the top or the bottom of the ride.

One of my favorite songs - The Middle by Jimmy Eat World - says it best. Here are some of the lyrics:

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts, are gonna say

It just takes some time, little girl in the middle of the ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything it'll be alright

This year, in addition to all the other things I'm grateful for, I'm also thankful for this ride - and that I chose to hop on. Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you most grateful for as a writer - whatever stage you're in? What would you tell yourself if you could go back to when you started seriously writing? What have you learned along the way?