Beatitudes of Gratitude for Writers

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding - Alice Walker

Writing is a profession full of highs and lows. Rewards and accolades can be rare. Yet, we continue to write despite fatigue, disappointment, delays, and revisions. 

In this season of gratitude, here are three reasons for writers to be grateful.

Blessed Are Those Who Keep Striving

In a world of criticism and chatter, it takes audacity to put ourselves out there and release our words. Even accomplished writers can become apprehensive when contemplating a new project or switching genres. Daring to share our work with an editor, agent, and other writers is an accomplishment. We take a risk every time we push forward and present ourselves as writers. Still, we persist. As we grow and our work evolves, our efforts are eventually rewarded.

Blessed Are Those Who Keep Learning

This includes everything from attending a writers conference to learning about new opportunities to highlight our work. Networking with publishing professionals, critique groups, and writers groups count as well. Considering the advice of other writers, attending online classes, and accepting feedback from editors and agents are all ways that we can grow as writers. There are classes and workshops that span everything from grammar basics to social media mass marketing. 

Staying engaged within our profession makes us savvy, relevant, and increases our prospects to succeed. We can become so focused on what we want to accomplish that we fail to recognize the progress we have made. Success is relative. We must never allow what we have yet to achieve to overshadow our gains. 

Blessed Are Those Privileged to Write

If you are reading this, odds are high that you live under a government that allows us to share our beliefs, express opinions, and use words to enhance the lives of others. This is a basic freedom that we don’t acknowledge nearly enough. Technology and evolving trends permit us to bypass traditional publishers and offer our words to the masses at will. We can share our political views, religious practices, and personal tragedies. This is not possible worldwide. 

Furthermore, the skill to string sentences together into a comprehensible thought is something most writers underestimate. We are gifted with talent, time, and opportunity to share our work. We are privileged to educate, entertain, challenge, and comfort. We are blessed to read and write at will. 

When we find ourselves frustrated, giving thanks for the talent we have, skills we have acquired, and the luxury to express ourselves puts everything else into perspective. It is an attitude of gratitude that propels us forward, grants us favor, and allows us to achieve our writing goals. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6 NKJV

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Beatitudes of Gratitude for Writers from @Lika_Raphael on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.