What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

No Thanksgiving in my part of the world, but still...

All of my family members are well. I've had a very mixed week with a difficult decision -- and as a result of this, I made a lot of progress.

And besides, we just had the first snow of the season tonight. Just an inch or so, but who cares -- it's white outside, and that's what counts!

That's more than enough reason to be thankful...

Regine

Ok, it's 3:30 AM on the 26th, but since I haven't gone to bed yet, it's still Thanksgiving. So...

This year has been challenging, to say the least. I lost my job in Feb. and as of this writing, I still don't have another. My engagement ended in a breakup instead of a wedding. ...And my grandpa died. NOT a good year by most standards.

But I've also been blessed with some INCREDIBLE opportunities.

1. I was able to write and publish my first book!

I didn't want to let my job loss paralyze me with fear, but instead be proactive. So I decided to take the sudden gift of time my job loss gave me and write the book I'd been wanting to write for a long time. Within two weeks of losing my job, I started writing the book, still not sure how I was going to get it published. (I came here asking for input.)

2. I found the PERFECT mentor and was able to sign up for her year-long mentoring program.

Right around the time I was laid off (or in the 1-2 weeks prior, I can't remember), I heard a call with another expert interviewing someone teaching a specific business model. At the end of the call, the interviewee offered a free copy of her book. I went to her website to request it and while there, saw a video about a 1-day workshop she was holding in April. I wanted to go but couldn't afford it.

Also, in the back of her book, she referenced a self-publishing option that I'd never heard of that was PERFECT for me. But I couldn't afford it.

3. I discovered the money to publish my book AND sign up with my mentor.

Miracle of miracles, about 3 weeks after being laid off, I realized I had a lot more in retirement funds than I realized. A LOT more. My eyes about popped. (I'd always contributed to my 401k but never looked at it. I'm a buy-and-hold kind of girl and contributed via an automatic deduction from my paycheck. I signed up, then quite literally forgot about it.)

I promptly signed up for the year-long mentoring program which included TWO live events (a 1-day workshop in April and a 3-day conference in Nov.), plus last year's event on DVD, her huge infoproduct and monthly coaching and Q&A calls, among other things.

I also signed a book contract with my publisher in March and my book just came out in Nov.!

I've never spent so much money, or so much money in such a short period on my business before. But the opportunity and timing was incredible. My former employer would NEVER have given me the time off to attend the 1-day workshop in April (or Nov.) and if I'd never been laid off, I never would have looked at my retirement accounts when I did.

4. I got my name on a SECOND book this year!

I'm a contributing author to the "Gratitude Book Project -- Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude" due out December 2010. We were asked exactly this question by Donna Kozik of MyBigBusinessCard.com. She's compiled and edited the book and it will be released very shortly.

5. Supportive family and friends.

This year has been very difficult, yet also filled with tremendous opportunities. I feel a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

I'm SO EXCITED about the books and business I'm setting up! But now that the book is done, I need to get a job -- SOON. Cash is king and a new business needs cash flow. (I went through the retirement funds to publish the book, sign up for mentoring and set up the new business.) Please pray I can find one soon as my unemployment benefits are about to expire. I'm SO EXCITED about the books though! Not a bad way to spend an unemployed 9 months!

I'm also struggling with the end of my engagement. In the long run, it's for the best. I'd rather be single than married to the wrong person and trapped in a bad marriage. But it's still very difficult to face the loss of those hopes and dreams. Not to mention my dream wedding dress still sitting in my parents' closet. I've spent more than one night crying in my pillow.

But I have a wonderfully supportive family and circle of friends. They've been my lifeline these past few weeks.

I also got to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my sister and her family, including my two darling nephews. They are the CUTEST boys ever and I ADORE them!

This year has been quite a roller coaster. I just hope that I can find a job soon and that 2011 isn't quite so....eventful.

Michelle

Very touching topic. I'm so glad then that it was brought up here. We should take this opportunity to thank everyone surrounds us that influence us and make us a better person. Thanks for our family, relatives, friends,endeavors and for all the blessings. Also, for our source of income and even all the trials and obstacles in life...