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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Question: If; Answer: Gratitude

I want to write more often, but if I wait for the perfect topic or the exact words to appear magically in my mind I'll just continue letting each day pass by with no words written.

When my mind is a blank canvas or a whirlwind of ideas that cause anxiety about settling on one, I'll pose and answer a question. Today's question is from If... (Questions For The Game of Life) by Evelyn McFarlane et al.

If you could have been the author of any single book already written, which book would you want to have penned and why?

Two books instantly come to mind. I know, I know. The question very specifically asks for a SINGLE book. My second choice is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Perhaps I'll explain that in a future post. The Kindle version is free, so if you haven't read it (woe is me if that's the case), please read the book and delve into the story of the wonderfully diverse and entertaining March sisters. 

First choice goes to A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life by John Kralik. Making a commitment to say thank you is a decision that changes two lives at once. Imagine putting a smile on 366 faces (must remember to include yourself). And by making those 365 faces smile, you inadvertently make those they come in contact with smile. Feeling bad about yourself, your life, your day? Thinks of someone you can thank. It's an instantly uplifting experience. I'd like to have written this book that is honest about how low we can sink, how giving thanks even in the darkest times can provide foot holds to moving on, and how much a genuine thank you can mean to those around us. 


Challenge yourself to say thank you more often. Be specific and sincere. Which of these expressions of gratitude would you rather receive?

  • "Thanks for all the help you've given me."
  • "Thank you for providing honest feedback on my writing sample. I appreciate the time you took to read and review the short story. After reading through your suggestions, I made several changes and the story has been picked for publishing. Here is a copy of the magazine with the final version. I couldn't have reached this milestone without your help." 
Now it's your turn! What book would you choose?