Counting Your Writer's Blessings

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Photo by Colleen Benelli

And onto our post for today.  The fourth line of the Reiki gokkai is I will count my blessings.  Even though it seems easy to recognize how fortunate we are, sometimes this can be the most difficult principle to follow.  We look at others' careers that are soaring wildly and wonder why that couldn't be us.  We think others have an easier time with creativity, writer's block or whatever.  Others seem to excel at characterization, plotting, world-building, drawing in readers . . .  The list could go on and on.  I believe the saying goes the grass is always greener under someone else's keyboard.

I remember when my second book came out.  I was at a reader's conference  a couple of months after pub date.  Many of the readers complained because my book wasn't available in the bookstore and the hardcover edition that came out from Black Expressions was in the process of being reprinted.  I was a bit dismayed that no one seemed to be able to get a copy of this book.  A more experienced writer looked me in the eye and said, What are you complaining about?  Your book has SOLD OUT!  Half the writers here would kill to be in your position.  Now shut up and have a drink."  (Thanks, Margie--especially since I know my memory has taken a bit of liberty with your words).

So, instead of appreciating how well my book had done, I was upset it couldn't do better.  Oy! 

Let's face it--how bad off are any of us, really?  We start off with the benefit of having a dream--being published.  We have enough talent and facility and wherewithal to be able to make use of language in a way people enjoy (or might enjoy one day).  If you're living in the US or another first world nation, it's more than likely you have somewhere to live and something to eat. As for me, life may not be perfect, but I know I am better off than most of the other people living on the planet.


It really doesn't hurt for us to remind ourselves of this often. Or to take stock of what we do have as writers from time to time.  The same way that we look at other writers and admire their strengths, we should do the same for ourselves.  What do you love about the way you write?  What about your writing makes you feel proud to be a writer?  What successes have you had with your writing, even if it is only continuing to make progress on your work?  What is the nicest thing anyone ever said about your writing?  What is it about your writing that keeps you coming back to your writing (aside from the usual creative compulsions)?

I bet when you think this through, you will find a lot to be happy about in your writing and writing career.  But counting your blessings is best done with an attitude of gratitude for said blessings, as well. None of us is owed anything in this life, not even life.  Operating from a position of gratefulness acknowledges that TPTB (the powers that be) are working in our life for our betterment and keeps us in the flow to receive continued blessings.

Keep in mind that not all blessings come looking like blessings.  Every time I think of this concept I am reminded of a time I was driving to work.  Some jer--I mean, nice person, cut me off just as I was heading toward my exit.  He forced me to slow down, which proved fortunate. Otherwise I would have been going too fast to stop before hitting the police car stopped in the exit to warn motorists of an accident on the exit ramp.

Sometimes blessings look like curses.  You experience a dark night of the soul regarding some issue in your life or your writing and it seems like everything you have worked for turns to dust. Sometimes we need to lose what we have to gain something even better. We need to get out of our comfort zone and when we don't do it for ourselves, the Universe does it for us.  Suddenly opportunities dry up, people disappear, everything that made one path seem clear now muddies the road ahead.  Many times this signals that a new way is being made for you --if you can see it and appreciate it for what it is. 

For me, every day I wake up and have the opportunity to hug my loved ones and work on my writing and help somebody else in some way, is a blessing.  And for that I am truly grateful.