My parents taught it by word and deed: No matter what, there’s always something to be thankful for.

Gratitude is a way of life, for health, healing, and happiness (we know this). Gratitude is a mindset and lifestyle to cultivate (we know this). And daily gratitude transforms (we know this, too).

I like having a day that can stop me in my tracks with a confrontation of gratitude. Regardless of an outset of nefarious history and injustice innate in the holiday — for what it is today, I must say: its healthy gratitude outcomes are unmistakable.

Thank you, Thanksgiving.

So here’s to a Happy Thanksgiving to all — with a special word to those in my circle…

To all in my circle who consider the sum total of possibilities — creating in joy, digging deep into imagination, investing in adventures, and living in ingenuity — I am thankful for you.

To all in my circle who spark creativity — recognizing the big picture essence of story and humanity, approaching creativity challenges and collaboration with grace and tact, and reciprocating thoughtful intention and the creative word with generosity — I am thankful for you.

To all in my circle who believe the best, act in kindness, reach for connection, and respond in veracity and authenticity — I am thankful for you.

To all in my extended circle who are allies, who have been a joyful part of my past in a way that composed a timeless kevlar thread, with merit infused into the hues and textures of my everyday — I am thankful for you.

And to all in my circle who have connected with unmistakable, unambiguous, genuine, and intentional synergy to remain in a warmhearted place within my life — I am thankful for you.

Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA, is the author of 18 books in multiple genres and has been a professional writer/editor/ghostwriter of books, articles, pages, and curriculum for over 20 years, helping authors master story writing through seminars, coaching, and consulting. She has a terminal degree in Creative Writing, Genre Fiction, a Master’s in a healthcare field, and a bachelor’s in education. As a content writing expert/marketing director and storyteller for corporations in healthcare, retail, and education, Erin gets to write for Bayer, Lilly, H&M, Marks and Spencer, and more — furthering authentic connection with audiences. For years, she has had the honor of overseeing and training associate copywriters worldwide, and before using storytelling expertise and guiding corporate stories, Erin was a university writing, communications, and leadership and management instructor who developed and led multiple college/university and pre-college writing curricula and programs. Fun fact, one of her pre-college writing programs was awarded first-place for online writing and composition programs in 2023.

Speaking to audiences on writing since the ’80s, Erin’s a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), Authors Guild (AG), Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and Romance Writers of America (RWA) — and she’s honored to speak to writers across the world many times a year. Erin has also worked with Hollywood A-Listers in story development for TV and has judged numerous book and anthology contests and competitions. Coffee mug or espresso in hand and surrounded by her collies, Erin writes from Michigan, USA.