Giving Thanks for Plot Twists

The messy chapters move the story forward.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: this year threw me a few curveballs. Some personal, some professional, all character-building in that “I didn’t ask for this, but okay, Universe” kind of way.

I won’t rehash the details because who needs reruns? Let’s just say there were moments that made me question my sanity, my stamina, and my skincare routine. But even in the middle of the mess, I kept reminding myself: every plot twist teaches me something. And for that, I’m thankful.

A woman praying in the forest.

In the spirit of the season, here’s my gratitude list. Or, how I stayed grounded when life went off-script.

A few things I’m thankful for:

• Friends and family. This one goes without saying. Who are we without the people who love, care, and support us through good times and bad?

• Health. Mental, emotional, spiritual, physical.

• Nature. From the ocean to the mountains and everything in between. Every bird, backyard critter, and wild creature. Sunny days, cloudy skies, rainstorms, and star-filled nights.

• Zoe, Ella, and Mr. Furbs, aka The Sandy Paw Staff. They don’t respect deadlines, but they remind me to pause, stretch, and occasionally chase imaginary enemies only they can see. And the importance of naps (not that I often get one). Their unconditional love and constant supervision got me through some long nights and even longer writing sessions.

• My writing teachers and mentors. The wise ones who push me to dig deeper, trust my instincts, and rewrite that scene one more time (even when I swear it’s perfect). Their feedback is gold.

• My writing friends and critique groups. The tribe that understands the highs of a “Request for Full” and the lows of a “We regret to inform you.” We celebrate, commiserate, caffeinate, and keep each other going.

• The producer and mentor who took time to meet with me in L.A. Those conversations lit a fire under my creative dreams and reminded me that persistence is half the game.

• The challenges that tried (and failed) to break me. Because growth doesn’t happen in the easy chapters. Every rejection, redirection, and emotional plot twist has shaped me into a braver, bolder, slightly better version of myself.

• Me. For being brave, stepping out of my comfort zone, and finding my voice.

  
  

Life doesn’t always follow the script we’d prefer. But the rewrites? That’s where the magic happens. Would you agree?

This post was originally published on my Plot Twist Diaries Substack column.