What are you thankful for?

This time of year, this month specifically, the question of gratitude in one's life arises. Is it a bit cliche'? Yes. However, I believe it to be a necessary tradition. Stopping every once in a while, reflecting on your life is in my opinion, a great way to stay grounded, and it can even help you navigate through difficult or stressful times.

So, in light of tradition, my answer to this month's question is my family. This has always been the case. I don't think there was ever a moment in my life where family was not a huge part of my upbringing and adult life. I am reminded of just how impactful and supportive those loved ones around me are to my well-being by the current status of the country. Some of you may have heard of the government shutdown, and how it has negatively impacted federal workers. Well, not only am I an author, but I am a federal worker. I've been employed with the Department of Defense for the last ten years. I've worked as an Equipment Cleaner, then a Temporary Service Electrician, and for the last four years, I have worked as a Training Instructor inside the safety department.

With the shutdown, I am effectively not getting paid at the moment. Fun right? I am a forced volunteer. Sounds like something else to me, but I digress. No matter which camp you reside in on the political spectrum, or are politically homeless, we can all agree that not getting paid for a job is less than optimal. At minimum, it's stressful. Very Stressful. That's where the family come in.

With difficult times in sight, my wife and children have been incredibly encouraging and understanding with my concerns about this situation. They have listened to me vent, given needed hugs, heard out plans to weather the storm, and have even made sacrifices to ensure that we manage the potential long-term crisis. Who knows how long this could go on for? For all I know this could end next week.

In addition to my family of four, I am thankful for the rest of my family too. My mother, in-laws, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. You all help in your own way. From words of optimism, joining me in critiquing the process of funding, or even better, distracting me and everyone else with your wit, humor, or random story that delights and intrigues. It all makes these moments more bearable, while we wait anxiously for an end of this crisis.

Then there's you. If you have read this and/or other newsletters I send out every month, I am thankful for you. Stress has gripped me lately. It has stripped my drive to write. It has drained my creativity. It has even distracted my ability to enjoy a good book or story. Worry has consumed me this past month. I am thankful to say, that I am slowly managing it, and hopeful that this month's story and this little insight into my life maybe will help you relieve some stress and make you reflect on what you are thankful for in your life.

Have a great November, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday!