I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day, from the simple things like a roof over my head and a full belly (sometimes too full) to the big things like my health and that of my son.
We can easily get caught up in the keeping up with the Joneses mentality and think we are behind or we don’t have what we thought we would, etc, but when you take even just a second to think about it, I’d be willing to bet that there would be an endless line of people waiting for the chance to step into your life just the way it is!
I have had a lot of changes in my life over the past several years that landed me flat on my face, down in the mud, and wondering what in the actual f*#! was going on. It’s so easy and honestly sometimes comfortable to sit at the bottom of the pit wondering why me, and that time is valuable, so do it! Reflect on what this event in your life is trying to teach you. What is the lesson to be learned? But then, you’ve got to find the grit to climb out!
Hospital CEO and Regional VP of operations…to the unemployment line is a kick in the teeth, not gonna lie. BUT the growth, knowledge gained, control over my own calendar, and regaining my FREEDOM and my VOICE??? Now THAT has been an incredibly profound andPOWERFUL experience!!! I was blessed to be in a position where, with all I’d worked and built over the last couple of decades, I was able to sustain AJ and me while Mama took a midlife retirement year to decide what she wanted to do next. Yes, Karen, I’m Mama. To have the ability and opportunity to do that is something I am forever thankful for, and I realized very recently I had myself to thank for that. I never overbought or overspent, and I always saved for the what-ifs, so when it happened, I was calm knowing I could still provide for myself and my son.
Now?? Now I’m building. Audiobook – CHECK YouTube Channel – CHECK Podcast – CHECK
With so many asking, ‘When’s the next episode?’ When’s the next book? I mean what the what?!?! Is it all perfect? No, but it’s ME, and it’s MINE to share to support and encourage others! Now THAT is something to be THANKFUL for!!!
I’m so thankful for the quiet people in the stands supporting me, sending me messages about things I shared that touched them personally. Made a difference somehow. Those keep me going!!
Believe it or not, I’m also thankful for all the naysayers in the nosebleeds saying who does she think she is or oh geez, seriously…because they motivate me more than they discourage me for sure!! I remember feeling like I’d been punched in the stomach when someone I used to be close to said “you’re kidding” when I shared that my book had made a bestseller list. I don’t mean like an excited, “holy shit that’s awesome”, “you’re kidding”, but rather more of a “you’ve got to be joking” kind of “you’re kidding”. Facial expression, tone, and words included. But I’m MOST thankful for those in the arena with me. The people who continue to show up, loud and proud, to share my message and my journey! Those who are sharing, reposting, and helping me gain subscribers on YouTube and followers on other platforms to help increase my reach. Those helping to open doors for different speaking opportunities and appearances. My tribe!!
THIS Thanksgiving I’m so very Thankful for the life I’m living with my why!!!
