Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How Did I Get So Lucky?

I wanted to take a moment and share with you the secret of getting lucky (hey now, get your mind out of the gutter! That’s a topic for someone else's blog.)

Okay--eyes back up here…

I’m not talking about winning the Lotto or having your number pulled at an auction or raffle. I’m not even talking about the near death misses that grab you by the throat and cause you to look up to heaven and thank the powers that be. I’m talking about the type of luck that occurs when you lift your head out of the water to take a breath, and realize you are surrounded by some of the best people in the world. THAT’S ME! I am one of the most fortunate people alive.

Alright let me explain.

See, I was raised to believe people come into your life for a reason. They either stay, and contribute to the experience we call our existence, or they simply fall away. (Disclosure: I am not the type to cut people out of my life. I just don’t roll that way.)

I may not call you for awhile, not because of a grudge or I’m mad, but because I am not into confrontations and the least amount of drama the better, but most likely, I just got busy. That is what’s so great about the people around me-- they understand that. Some of my dearest friends are people I haven’t talked to in months, and when I picked up the phone, we can start up a conversation like we just talked yesterday.

That’s why I am so lucky. I am surrounded by some of the most supportive, positive, loving, thoughtful, and dedicated people in the world. They are the ones that pick me up off the floor when they find me face down on my un-mopped linoleum, or dry me off when I tromp through huge puddles of self doubt. They celebrate my accomplishments and commiserate when I fail. They see me for who I am and that is monumental.

They are the ones who watched me birth my novels and stood up by my head cheering, as I pushed. They’ve taken my family and given me time to write. They’ve read chapters in the middle of the night, and popped me upside the head when I doubted my writing skills. They’ve even gone as far as showing up to a book club meeting, before my work has even been published. They are the rocket boosters that keep burning and prodding me to stay on course.

I don’t think I could ever tell you why I have attracted such great people in my life. Or why it amazes every day, they are willing to stand with me through the tornado of my creative process. A drop of a hat, a flip of a coin, or the effects of a butterfly flapping its wings, maybe I’m not supposed to know. Either way I am grateful.

It is at this moment, the calm before the storm, that I must take the time and tell them thank you.

Thank you for being those rocks just below the surface of the water that supported me on my journey. Without you, my attempts wouldn’t be as successful.
I guess the secret to getting lucky is (fill in your blank)

P.S. OK My Betas- Only 2 "ly" words this time!

6 comments:

  1. Gretchen, I stumbled upon your blog through a becky fb post. I have to tell you I am enjoying each post, love your insight. I especially love this post. Keep up the good work. I am entertained and enlightened.

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  2. Thanks Lisa! I am so glad you are enjoying it. It has been a lot of fun and a great experience.

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  3. Your friends are so lucky to have YOU! Honestly, your positive words and vibes help us all so much! I am truly lucky that you are my friend!

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  4. Thank you so much Brittney. I do feel really lucky for all the people around me. I am super glad you like the blog.

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  5. Wow Gretch, great post! I am so the same way...Becky calls it my off button. I just don't like confrontation either! Its always nice to realize that you are surrounded by great people!

    xoxo

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  6. Thank you Sylvia! I am really having a great time blogging about my journey to published authorhood~ don't think that is a word!

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