Thankful: Stephen Brayton

By Stephen Brayton

So, it’s November and that brings to mind Thanksgiving and that brings to mind a shift in people to a more gracious attitude. Gratitude for the many blessings in their lives. My sister will do a “I’m thankful for….” Facebook for every day in November.

I don’t do that. Not that I’m not thankful, but to think of thirty things? Lol. Just kidding.

Okay, so I thought about this for a while to come up with my list of things for which I am thankful. (Uh, a while comprising an entire energy sapping five minutes. I think I need a nap.)

Let’s get the basics out of the way: Family, friends, employment, health, automobile, finances.

I would like to turn the thankful list to writing and fitness related things because, while I don’t want to do a BSP (blatant self-promotion), I would like to give a bit of it in relation to the craft of writing. I also want to include a bit of thanks to the martial arts world.

1. I’m thankful the Lord has given me the ability to write and to continue to learn the craft.

2. For writer friends who are honest with critique (and that means praise as well as where I need improvements).

3. Thanks to NeoLeaf Press for accepting my friendship, two of my books, and four short stories for an anthology.

4. I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me health, the ability, and the skills to train in martial arts and to be able to continue my growth.

5. I’m thankful to the American Taekwondo Association for providing me with opportunities and friendship.

6. Thanks to all my students present and past for their support.

7. Thanks to all my readers who purchased my books.

So, the lucky seven. I’m sure there are many more things, large and small, for which I’m thankful. I think the main thing is, I’m grateful to those people who attend the book shows and conferences where I’m allowed to set up a table to sell books and talk about my writing. Whether you buy, take a business card or postcard, or just peruse the offering, and to those who read my blogs and to those who take time to comment I appreciate your few minutes. To those people and those who continue to support, train, and assist with my martial arts training as I prepare for the next goal in July of 2019-testing for 6^th Degree Black Belt,

Thank you. You keep me going.

Links: