Birthday Reflections + 20 Things I'm Grateful For

As a writer, I’ve felt too often that words aren’t enough to contain memories. I’ve felt that I should do something, anything, to try and preserve them. As my birthday happens to be today, I’ve gathered up a brief overview of the past year of my life to try and capsulize it in time, at least for a little while. As Thanksgiving is this week, I’m also going to be sharing the top 20 things I’m grateful for.

- Birthday reflections -

It would be a lie to say the past year of my life (and 2020) wasn’t a roller coaster of difficulties. It seems only a little while ago that I wondered if I would somehow magically transform into, well, a self-obsessed teen. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, and I was probably a tiny bit naive (okay, I’m still naive) about the whole teen thing. But, honestly, I didn’t know how being a teen would change me—for the better or worse.

But, little did I know the writing blog I was co-creating would fall apart. Little did I know that I would be on the brink of giving up writing (and actually did, for a bit). Little did I know that I would be quarantined for nine months. Little did I know I would go through a billion other things that challenged the way I viewed life.

But also little did I know how much I would grow in my writing and as a person.

The past year was a dip in the water, let’s say that.

So yes. It was rough. But to quote my lovely character Marisa, “nothing worth doing will ever be easy.”

I was planning on publishing a novella about an American writer stranded on an uncharted island earlier this year. But things happened—and I didn’t. However, looking back I can say honestly that it was for the better. God showed me that this book wasn’t supposed to be published.

And thank goodness I didn’t, because in April I reached my “breaking point,” so to speak. I recognized my writing wasn’t improving, it was so hard for me to take feedback, and I wasn’t even connecting with other writers. I had trouble even seeing one project to completion—and resorted instead to writing short stories.

In other words, I was a lost writer.

A very lost writer.

One thing I did predict at the beginning of this year was that I would grow in my writing. That was an understatement. God threw 2019’s writing naivety out of the window and blessed me with this wonderful place called the Young Writer’s Workshop. I joined in April, and my writing started turning around immediately. I now have lots of resources to improve my writing, wonderful instructors, a mentor, live trainings and Q&As, and more. I’ve learned to take feedback, completed a novel and three novellas, and learned about something I’ve never even heard of (even after eight years of writing XD)—story and chapter structure. :P

Not only have I grown as a writer, I’ve grown as a person. COVID has forced me to stop and slow down, to start seeing the little things in life. I’ve had my moments where God completely showed up and continued to do so. God has moved so much in my writing and I’ve been delving into the Bible more—not because of what’s expected of me in years past, but because honestly, it’s fascinating how God shows jewels through His Word. But I guess, the older the wiser, right? XD

Anyway. Despite many difficulties, losses, and trials, God has proven true. With His strength, I know I can get through them and come out a different person on the other side.

It’s heartening to think that I’ve grown so much in one year, how much could I grow in—say, the seven years of teenhood?

So bring it on, fourteen. I’m ready.

- Top 20 Things I’m Grateful For -

Of course, this whole blog post couldn’t just be about me and my past year, could it? I should certainly hope not.

Anyway. I’m going to do something pretty fun and that is, list the top 20 things I’m grateful for! Because, well, Thanksgiving is coming up (at least in America).

Before going into this challenge, I do want to say that I feel like Thanksgiving has become underrated nowadays. What do you first think of when you hear the word “Thanksgiving?” If you’re like me, you think of well, thankfulness (hopefully), and then—food. There’s something about Thanksgiving that makes you think of turkey. Not that turkey’s a bad thing, but it isn’t what matters.

Neither are the customs, however fun they might be. And as much fun as those are, I feel like us Americans (and I’ve been guilty of it too) have glossed over the real meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s—at least for me—looking back, being grateful, and most of all—thanking God. Because after all, without Him and His gifts, we wouldn’t have anything to be grateful for.

Without further ado. . . I shall present the top 20 things I’m grateful for!

1. God and His saving grace

I wouldn’t be here without it, y’all. :)

2. Access to God’s Word

It hurts to see people persecuted for owning God’s Word, for even wanting to read God’s Word. It reminds me that I’m so blessed, though, yes, I do forget nearly every time I open my Bible.

3. My immediate family (and yes, I’m counting my cats too)

How could I not be thankful for my family? They’ve supported me through this month, put up with my craziness, and of course, kept me company through COVID.

4. The sweet dog that got to be a part of my life for a bit <3

I miss him already.

5. A place to live

One of the main necessities of life—I’m grateful for another gift from God.

6. A heartbeat

I wouldn’t be writing this right now if I was without one.

7. Health

My family’s been healthy all this year, despite the virus, and I’m so grateful for that.

8. Family support

From telling me to take less time looking at the computer to cat lap warmers, my family’s been supportive. Not perfect—but supportive.

9. Writing resources

Would I be the writer I am right now without all I’ve learned? Probably not.

10. Time to spend with my parents and siblings

Time is really important, and honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to spend it with my family if it hadn’t been for my mom and her reminders.

11. The Young Writer’s Workshop and everyone on there

I joined YDubs in April and I’ve loved it ever since. Everyone is so kind and supportive, and I’ve made a lot of friends.

12. A safe neighborhood

I’m privileged to live in a safe neighborhood, knowing that some people don’t. I know a lot of people don’t have a safe place to live, so I’m really blessed. It’s kind of a small, mainly overlooked thing, but when you think about it, it’s a big blessing.

13. Stars against an inky black sky

I’m talking about the stars that shine so bright when you’re away from the world and it’s just you and God and His creation. God is really the Master Artist.

14. Other random things that give me inspiration (that I can’t think of at the moment)

There are a lot of things that give me inspiration—but most of all, I’m inspired by God’s creation. And writing prompts.

15. Paper, lots of it

This may sound silly, but I’m grateful for paper. It provides a backdrop for portals to other worlds, other characters, and other universes.

16. Music (the kind that I listen to on repeat)

Especially during COVID, I’ve been listening to a lot of music.

17. Books, and also lots of them

Without books, I don’t know what I would strive for. There’s something about it that just makes me want to aspire to see my writing in real print.

18. Kind people

You know those kinds of people that are always looking for a way to make your life a little brighter, sometimes without even knowing it? Yes. I’m grateful for those people.

19. Autumn leaves

If you know me, you know I love all things autumn. Cider, boots, pumpkin pie—but what stands out most of all is the leaves. I love pressing and drying them. :)

20. Gel pens

This is a really tiny thing, but I’m grateful for it anyway. I love gel pens—and I write only with them. Shh.

Now it’s your turn. . .

What are your top 20 things you’re grateful for? This year, it may not be easy to think of some (no judging, I literally sat here for about forty minutes trying to think of 20 things to fill my list), but they’re there. Let me know in the comments, and have a very happy, meaningful Thanksgiving!