Thanks.
There's much to be thankful for despite all of its challenges.
I’m not sure where to start really. I joined Substack on July 14th. Much of my life has been flipped upside down then, but I’m still standing. This site has shown me a whole new community of people, and it has provided me a great outlet to get things off of my chest, even if not many are reading. That’s not why I write anyway
There are so many great writers. Elegant. Eloquent. Thoughtful. Some of my favorites are, but certainly not limited to the following:
Petals ✿ Talked on Instagram for a time (before they shut me down). Kamila is the first one I read here, and the reason I ended up joining.
Anomie One bad ass, great writer, and even better person. Started off in her chat writing from her prompts…before work started back up (for me, anyway). Anyhow, this is one cheeky and intelligent woman whom I’m happy is on my side.
Outtamydamnmind My fellow Uber delivery driver. Kind, thoughtful, supportive, and talented. I’m thankful to call you friend.
Mackenzie We got to talking at one point, and even though you don’t post more on here at the moment, it’s been a pleasure getting to talk to you offline, read your academic writings, and giving you feedback. You’re a kind and talented young woman. Thankful to call you friend.
Smutty Simmons Your writing is…hot. It’s also beautifully written as well. I’m thankful to have you as a friend in my life. Thanks for the conversations. I’m happy to have been on board with your page since you began here. You’re an incredible writer. Thankful to know you.
There are so many talented writers and beautiful people here. I’m thankful to read new things every day. You’ve all actually inspired me to…READ more. That’s something to be thankful for without a doubt.
Among other things and people that I’m thankful for, I have likely written about at some point, maybe not in all the greatest circumstances. Nonetheless, these are:
My family. Especially my kids. Every day is a challenge. Love them though.
My job. The kids that I work with. The staff that I share the building with. They have no idea I’m here, but they give me purpose. Working there is something that I love.
My therapist. Every two weeks, this woman gets to listen to my ramblings. I’m so thankful for her though.
My late mom and grandma. I’ve touched on them here, but without them, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. You both raised me to be a fighter, and to treat people the way they should be treated. You taught me to respect women for who they are. That has served me well in my career and personal life. I love you two so much, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you both. Miss you. Love you. Someday I’ll see you again.
Me. Yes, me. I didn’t forget myself. I’m committed to taking care of me, first and foremost. Without that commitment, things would be so much harder.
So, today, as I spend the day eating great food with family, watching football, and yes, napping, I can do so in knowing that despite every challenge that I’ve gone through, and am currently going through, I’m still blessed, and have so much to be thankful for.
Blessings and love,
Mark
