One of the Thanksgiving traditions I hated was the moment when, after we were all high on turkey, my aunt would insist that we say what we’re thankful for. It always seemed corny and contrived.

But this year, even though I won’t see my aunt tomorrow, I am going to keep the tradition alive.

What am I thankful for?

Of course, I’m grateful for my child, my family, and my health.

But on this Thanksgiving eve, I am especially thankful that I didn’t wait for the perfect time to begin my book.

I’m thankful that I took a chance and committed to the project before I knew exactly where I was going to land or if anyone would be interested in it.

I’m thankful that I wrote through tears, stress, and some of the roughest days of my life, when my computer felt like my only friend.

If you have a dream to write, start now. Don’t make excuses or say that you’ll get to your dream when things calm down. Writing in the midst of life can be powerful, even if you only have fifteen minutes. Don’t settle. Get started and be true to yourself and the story waiting for you to tell it.

Happy Thanksgiving.