Giving Thanks & Remaining Grateful

I thank God for my work. What I mean is that I do thank my Creator for the ability to get up every day, log on to my computer and type away. That isn’t something I’m willing to take for granted as I know too many people who struggle to find employment and I know of at least one person who physically cannot work, but would like to.

Winding Down

I’m not ready to put 2011 in the bank just yet, as there are five weeks remaining in what has been a topsy-turvy year. On the one hand, I’ve been working my tail off. On the other hand, new clients come and old clients go. Sometimes the new clients don’t stay around as long as I want either, but at least their sooner-than-expected exit can be attributed to an internal decision and not something I’ve done (or so I’ve been told). At least I’ve been able to replace what has been lost and that is a good thing too: I’d be in financially dire straits if I had no new clients to pick up the slack.

Years ago, I picked up the phrase “an attitude of gratitude,” which is something I try to keep as part of my Christian journey. Of course, you don’t have to be a Christian to be grateful, but then I would wonder who or what would be the object of your gratitude?

To that end, I am offering the following grateful musings on this eve of Thanksgiving 2011:

Steady clients — I’ve been writing steadily for one client since September 2007 and had been used by him on special projects prior to that. This client, who shall remain nameless, has had his own battles too. He could have called it quits long ago, but he chose to stick around…and stick with me. Besides being a loyal client, I enjoy the freedom to write and edit pretty much as I please. No stilted guidelines and no high expectations other than to deliver quality work that enhances his business. Another client has been around since August 2008, offering me immense writing and editorial latitude as well. Thank you, gentlemen.

Enjoyable gigs — Not every client is “permanent” nor are all gigs I take on for the long term. This year, I’ve had taken on several projects that lasted for just a few months, but still managed to deliver much satisfaction. In some cases I’ve delved into new territory or expanded my prime writing field (automotive) to cover other areas such as technical specifications. Although at times this has proven to be immensely challenging for me, the reward of accomplishing a task was evident. Ah….

New vistas — My writing continues to get noticed, as automakers and suppliers are contacting me about my work. I’ve been flown to attend meetings, enabling me to get a first glimpse at new products. I have even been given cars to drive for a week, making it easier for me to write up my reviews. Recently, I launched a niche site, FoorHood.com, enabling me to dig deeper and cover a specific manufacturer up close and personal. Getting to see new product, such as the a pair of Ford ST models before an auto show reveal is fun too. Thanks, Ford. And GM…Nissan…Hankook…and all the rest.

Milestones celebrated — This month I marked my 9th anniversary of freelancing. I started out managing web communities and gradually transitioned fully to freelance writing, preferring to write for others although Matt’s Musings and some other websites I own give me platforms to write for myself. Lord willing, I’ll be celebration my 10th anniversary next year, something I never expected to reach. Then again, if someone woos me away and offers me an opportunity I can’t (or shouldn’t) refuse, I just may chuck it all and work for someone else. Either way, I’m thankful.

Family Thanks

I’m sure that I could add more to this list, but these four points stand out above the rest. Of course, I’m thankful to my wife who has been patient through it all, including seeing work come and go, and wondering if there was something more secure out there for our family. Our two boys, too, have put up with a lot, but I know that they’re glad to see their Daddy more often than what some of their friends are able to do.