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Well, Thanksgiving Day is winding down. I'm back at home after spending most of the day at my parent's house with the people who are literally the air that I breathe.
This year, I am grateful for SO many things. If you had asked me 6 months ago how I might be feeling by the end of the year, I wouldn't have had a very positive response. But, that is what happens I focus on the little things, on the minutia of my life rather than looking at the big picture.
When I look at the big picture, I can only say that my cup runneth over. I am married to the love of my life who, since I met him, has shown me the power that comes from being gracious, patient and hard working. I have two beautiful little boys who are just...so much that I can't put into words.
I've been reading romance novels for more than 20 years. But, I don't think I ever imagined that I'd have anything like what the characters found in the stories I lost myself in. But, when I look at the big picture, what I have is even more than that. Because it's real, it doesn't end with an epilogue or a great reunion. It just keeps giving me the chance to savor and nurture it..
I spent the years of 1995-2004 in school (College, law school and then I completed my Master's of Law) and I didn't have much time to read. Then I started working. My jobs were demanding, complex and took all my time. I got married a few years after that period and came back from my honeymoon pregnant. And one child led to another and so by the time I had the space to breathe, sit down and crack open a book, 10 years had gone by and I had no clue what was good to read in the world of romance.
In February 2013, my sister in law encouraged me to buy myself a Kindle for my birthday and I started reading. I began with a list that I got in an email from OWN (Oprah's network). It said I should read Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels and Laura Kinsale Flowers from The Storm. I did, and quickly became absorbed in my books. A year later, I discovered the Crossfire Series and that opened up a world of contemporary romance that I didn't even know exisited. You will find that I behind the curve. I only discovered Kristen Ashley 6 months ago! So, I am discovering books that were best sellers in 2011, but are brand new to me. I've made up for lost time, I've read almost 300 books this year- crazy, right?
The best thing I've done this year, by far, has been starting this blog. I am living my dream, right now. Reading, writing, engaging. I am challenging myself in ways I didn't even think possible with this venture (I am learning how to write code, ya'll!!) and when I talk about my blog, or the people I've met on social media or the plans I have for my website, I can feel myself glowing. And the people around me feel it, too.
I am interested in people, I make friends with people that everyone else thinks are difficult, because I know that kindness is what most people are looking for, even when they are giving it.
Someone said to me once "if you work hard and are kind, amazing things will happen". I totally believe that. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. It will always pay off if you stay the course.
So, this year, what I most grateful for is new found sense of purpose. It feels good to focus on the good things, and on the things that feed my soul. It's a privilege. If you have read this entire post, thank you.
I really hope to get more engagement on my site in the next year. I have plans for it!
In the mean time, I'll keep sharing my reviews, the deals, steals and gems that I find.
Happy Thanksgiving, Lovers!
LucyLicious xoxo