Talking Turkey: Count Your Freelance Blessings

Before I start basting the turkey, making the stuffing, and baking the pumpkin pie, I thought I’d pause before the holiday rush to count my blessings.

I’m a firm believer in the idea that you get more of what you focus on. So if I’m enjoying any kind of abundance in my life, I think it’s important for me to acknowledge those things and show some gratitude. Not just at Thanksgiving, but the other 364 days of the year, too. I’ve noticed something else about gratitude too—when I’m counting my blessings, I have a rosier outlook on life. All the more reason to focus on what’s good in my life today.

Since this is a blog devoted to freelance writing, I won’t start listing all the things I’m thankful for in the rest of my life. But I’ll share some things that I’m grateful for in my freelance life. And hopefully, my gratitude list will help jumpstart yours too.

I’m grateful that I have:

• An abundance of work (I actually had to turn some work away this week).
• A majority of clients who pay consistently and on time.
• Editors and clients who are easy to work for and who submit invoices in a timely manner.
• The opportunity to get paid to read and write all day.
• Some wonderful mentors and editors who have helped me throughout my career.
• A carpet commute—especially now that there are slippery, snow-covered roads.
• The opportunity to interview interesting people that I wouldn’t otherwise talk to or meet.
• The chance to learn something new every day.
• A feline coeditor who sits next to me all day while I work.
• The freedom to create my own schedule and take a walk in the middle of the day if I feel like it.
• No dress code to adhere to anymore.
• No cubicle.
• No more office politics to contend with in the workplace.
• No more Outlook calendar full of meetings.
• The opportunity to help other freelancers with this blog.
• Met some wonderful freelancers through Freelance Success and other online sites this year.
• The freedom to work for multiple clients.
• The security in knowing that my income comes from several sources.
• New, sharp red pencils to use for my latest book editing project.
• The ability to work and live anywhere as a freelancer.
• Some interesting interviews lined up with fellow freelancers over the next couple weeks.
• Had the opportunity to diversify my client base during the past year.
• The opportunity to spend my days doing what I love most—and get paid for it.

What about you? What are you grateful for in your freelance life? Drop me a line—I’d love to hear from you!

Best,

Jenny

Photo credit: stevevoght (Flickr)