Gratitude...Or Finding That Silver Lining

I don't believe in making New Year's resolutions. It's a great way to set yourself up for failure. So the past few years, in the midst of some very profound losses in my family and some personal health issues, instead of working on a list of resolutions, I've counted my blessings. When I started working on thankfulness, the notion of counting calories or meeting a set page count seemed rather trivial by comparison.

Research supports the idea that gratitude is good for us. In fact, according to Psychology Today, gratitude improves both physical and emotional health, reduces aggression, helps us sleep better, opens the door to more relationships, increases mental strength and improves self-esteem.

Sure, increasing my page count is good for my wallet, but I'm thinking that I'll be more productive if I'm healthier. My wellbeing will improve without me having to obsess over every calorie I put in my mouth. And despite the above-mentioned setbacks, I've got a lot for which to be thankful.

Although I spent some time in the hospital and recuperating early in the year, which cut into my writing time, I did manage to release two books. Silver lining.

Even though one of my publishers became embroiled in a legal battle and started doing very poorly, they have agreed to return the rights of all my books to me by February of next year. I plan to release those books in several omnibus collections. Silver lining.

When I look at the big picture, it's all good. I get to do what I love to do, work at home at my own pace. I have the best agent who supports me and is an awesome person whom I'd be friends with even if she wasn't my agent. My editor at my current publisher is terrific and every time I work with her, I learn something new that improves my writing.

So no resolutions here. Just a big, fat THANK YOU to the universe for landing me right where I am. I hope you have an awesome 2016!