It’s very easy to get caught up in the idea that there’s not enough time and I’m not doing enough. I let myself get derailed by that idea almost every day. Either I’m coming up short as a mom, a wife, a teacher, or a writer – whatever the category, there’s always room for panic. Just yesterday, I was trying to organize some book marketing stuff and was sucked into a black hole of terror and self criticism.
But at the start of this school year, I made myself a promise. I’m going to be grateful for the awesome year ahead of me, no matter what. That doesn’t mean I’ll never worry, but it does mean that when I start to spiral, I have to notice how awesome my worries are and how lucky I am to have them. I have to slow down, breathe, and be grateful.
Thanksgiving seems like a really good day to do that.
I’m so thankful that my four-year-old is healthy and happy. He loves to build, and sing, and read, and make puzzles, and kiss, and hug, and show us what he’s doing. He knows all the words to Good King Wenceslas, and when he sings “Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither!” it never fails to slay me.
I’m thankful that my husband constantly fights the good fight against entropy, carving a tunnel through the housework and sundry adult responsibilities so that I can write. I’m thankful that whenever I start to doubt my powers, he’s there like a good second, handing me sharp swords so I can duel the inner critic.
I’m thankful for students who trust me with their ideas and experiences. I’m thankful for the former student who come back to see me the other day to return a book he borrowed last year, and who tucked a heartfelt, tear-jerker of a thank-you note into that book.
I’m thankful that the galleys for GROUNDED look gorgeous, and that I’ll receive them in the mail tomorrow – I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t WAIT to hold them. I’ll probably kiss them. I’m thankful for author friends who are there to reach out and steady me when I feel like there’s no way I can possibly organize my life.
Finally, I’m thankful that today is a big family day and that I get to spend it with my kiddo and husband, my mom and dad, and my siblings and their spouses (and my sister’s brand new, beautiful baby girl!).
In fact, it’s time to go and peel some apples and sweet potatoes, and to be grateful for the fact that when I want apples and sweet potatoes, I can go to the store and get them.
Oh, who am I kidding? My husband went to the store.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!