Jennifer Davidson, Reality Check Coaching, based in Portland, Oregon, offers leadership for your career & life goals

Today I woke up and headed out to run errands. Well, I actually walked my errands…thank goodness I live downtown! As I was walking I noticed what was left of the burnt orange leaves holding on to the nearly naked tree limbs, the strangely quiet roads, and the crisp morning air. While most people are prepping for a huge Thanksgiving meal with family I was prepping for a day of loneliness…or was I?

I’ll admit, for a moment, I was feeling sorry for myself being alone on the holiday. But, I quickly shifted my mind to thoughts of gratitude. I’m grateful that it isn’t raining, that I get to enjoy this peaceful walk without dodging traffic, and that Starbucks is open and I have a $20 gift card. All pretty small things, but nonetheless I was grateful.

After enjoying my breakfast of coffee and a bagel I started on my walk home. Suddenly I realized what I’m truly thankful for: CHOICE. I’m thankful for the choice to decide what I do each day, how I live, and the perspective through which I see life.

My perspective is that I’m lucky. Most people ache for a day to themselves and today I get to live it. Today is about me. What do I want? How will I take advantage of this rare moment? And the answer is: My Book Proposal. I started it and never finished. Today is my day to go for something I really want…to be published.

And if nothing else, tomorrow, when people ask what did you do for Thanksgiving? I can answer, “I wrote a book. What the hell did you do?” (LOL)

Best Wishes for a FANTASTIC Holiday!

PS: If you’re thinking of writing a book proposal as well…here’s the Thomas Nelson Guide that I’m using to get started Writing a Winning Book Proposal