It’s hard to believe that twenty years ago, I stepped into the writing world with both feet. Back then, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know how much of a journey it would become or how it would shape my life. But today, looking back, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the good, the challenging, and even the unexpected moments that have woven themselves into my story.

Gratitude is such a quietly powerful thing. It’s one of those qualities that sneaks up on you, often in the most surprising ways. It’s easy to forget about it when things are moving fast or when life feels chaotic. But when I pause—really pause—and reflect, it’s as though a gentle light shines on the places in my life I’ve overlooked. Those quiet moments of appreciation remind me of how much beauty, love, and joy is present, often in the most unexpected forms.

I think gratitude is an attractive quality. It’s a force that, when cultivated, draws more good things into our lives. I’ve been struck time and again by how much richness is woven into the fabric of my days, from the simple act of a stranger’s kindness to the way a beautiful sunset can stop me in my tracks, taking my breath away. These moments—small as they may seem—are the magic that life offers when we take the time to notice.

Stepping stones

Looking back on the last two decades of writing, I’m grateful for the ups and downs. The rejections, the moments of doubt, the endless hours spent crafting stories that at times felt impossible—those were all stepping stones to where I am today. They were all part of my personal and creative growth. The successes are sweet, yes, but it’s the difficult moments that have taught me the most. They’ve helped me develop resilience, patience, and, most importantly, gratitude for the process itself.

Writing, like life, isn’t a straight path. There are twists and turns, moments of uncertainty, and breakthroughs that feel like pure magic. And when I stop to reflect on it all, I can’t help but marvel at how much I’ve gained through this journey—both in terms of personal fulfillment and in the connections I’ve made with readers, fellow writers, and friends along the way. Every story, every word, every connection has added to the richness of my life in ways I could never have predicted.

Incredible writing community

But one of the greatest gifts I’ve received along the way has been the incredible writing community I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. The support, camaraderie, and shared passion for storytelling have made all the difference. Whether through online groups, conferences, or personal friendships with fellow authors, I’ve learned that writing doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. The community of writers—both those I’ve met and those whose work has inspired me from afar—has been a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and motivation. We celebrate each other’s successes, lift each other up in the face of challenges, and push one another to become better at our craft. There’s a real magic in being part of a creative tribe, and I’m deeply grateful for the connections I’ve made along the way.

As I reflect on this 20-year milestone, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for the stories I’ve written and the readers who’ve supported me, but also for the writing community that has been such an important part of my journey. It’s through collaboration and shared experience that we find our voices and our strength. For that, I am incredibly thankful.

Here’s to another twenty years—filled with more magic, more gratitude, and more of life’s beautiful surprises. Thank you for being a part of this adventure with me, and thank you to the writing community for helping make this journey possible.

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