Now here we are, twenty years later. We're all a bit older, some family and some friends are no longer with us, and the world just keeps ticking away.
A lot of people make resolutions for the new year. When I was much younger, I used to too. These days, I realize a lot of things are out of my control. I no longer make resolutions.
Instead, I take stock of what is working in my life and know I need to continue to do more of that. Eating healthy, maintaining a good weight, and working out are among those things. As far as writing, I write five days a week for three hours a day and that's enough to keep my production where it needs to be. I enjoy my job and love my publisher and my editor, so that makes me happy.
Now don't get me wrong - there are things I'd love to do. I'd love to be able to build a new house and move into it (one story please.) I'd love a new car, but my old one still runs fine and I'd have to get a day job to afford a car payment, so that's a trade-off I'm not willing to make just yet.
So as the old year ends and the new begins, I think of all that I'm grateful for - family, friends, dogs, my volunteer work, good health, and my job. As the clock strikes midnight, I raise a glass in gratitude.
I'll end with asking you this - three days in to 2020 and what are you grateful for? Please let me know in the comment section.
I'm grateful for decent health (and great health professionals!), family, a writing voice that is tired but not silenced, memories, and kindness. Also grateful to be a Gem. Happy New Year, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful that my husband and I have found ways to work around what life dishes out. That we have children who've always supported our decisions. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2020 and that all your dreams come true this year!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post, Karen. Gratitude at the beginning of a new year is a great idea. I’m grateful for technology that has made our lives better, including health. When I think of medical technology my mind is blown. I cannot count the changes since 2000. I worked in a custom pc shop back then and the worry over Y2K was amazing.
ReplyDeleteHappy and fortunate to say my gratitude list is a long one! I'm greeting the new year with resolve to get better control of my physical health. Happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful my family is healthy and nearby. Happy New Year, Karen,
ReplyDeleteI have a long list of things I'm grateful for. Health and family top it, as with most people. Having found the love of my life to share this special time with. My creativity, My friends. My home. I feel truly blessed by such abundance.
ReplyDeleteI am most grateful for God and Jesus Christ. My family and friends and good health, as well. Thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteI am most grateful for my family. None of our immediate family has good health but as you said, we just keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteI am most grateful that God has given me a healthy, loving family and many friends who care and support me. I'm thankful that I was able to retire early and begin writing full time and that God has given me the talent to entertain others with my words. And definitely thankful for this group of Gems!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I loved your post! Larry and I were talking today about what a great life we've had. I am eternally grateful for my wonderful husband, the love of my life. Family—siblings, children, grandchildren, and cousins—are on my gratitude list. Today, I'm thinking particularly about Romance Gems. I'm grateful for this group of amazing authors. Most of us were strangers when we banded together. Now, we are friends. I'm grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I remember huddling around the TV for Y2K waiting for midnight and waiting to see if everything was going to come to a screeching halt! Among other things, I'm grateful it didn't! And of course, family, friends, work I love, and books!
ReplyDeleteSee that many resolutions have been kept, I hope. Great!
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