It’s that Time for Gratefulness, Giving, Caring, Thanksgiving

Gratefulness … Giving … Caring … Thanksgiving …

This week is a personal favorite of mine, as it is for many. A time for reflection and a time for thinking forward. A time for family—whether it’s in the bloodline or the heartline. A time for “downtime.” A time for acknowledging to myself, and sometimes aloud, some of the awesomeness that I’ve experienced during the year.

It could be an outrageous laugh-out-loud happening; an amazing author insight that one of the clients has encountered; savoring an event that was wonderful that I attended; a new movie or TV show that I enjoyed and streamed through; or a wonderful book surprise that I opened and fell into until the last page was turned. I loved my September Soirees—a potluck gathering every Sunday late afternoon with friends and neighbors. What a combo—delicious food and conversation. Who can beat that?

One of my downtimes every Thanksgiving AM, as I’m in the kitchen doing my part of the foodie family spread, is the National Dog Show that follows the Macy’s Parade. And when it’s time for Santa to finally debut at the end, I just sit down with a mug of tea and take it all in. And then there’s the dog show … I don’t own a dog now … but there is something about prancing pooches that amuses me that I love and makes me stop for an hour and just watch and enjoy.

For me … I’m grateful. So grateful. I’ve had no personal health crises like 2020 delivered suddenly and painfully. John had successful heart surgery—at least successful for a 90-year-old! I have a wonderful Heart family that is always there for me. I have a support staff of Leah, Bobby, and Leslie who keep me going … sometimes picking me up when I slow down to goose me forward once again. And a fantastic group of publishing professionals who with their vision, deliver award-winning and bestselling books—what would I … and my author clients … do without Rebecca, Nick, Barb, Peggie, and Don if they didn’t roll up their creative sleeves and do their magic?

And, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to do what I love—working with and helping authors.

Yup, I’m grateful indeed. How about you?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

P.S. Did you notice … I don’t mention shopping, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday!

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 37 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. Collectively, her books have earned over 45 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE.

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact me.