Thankful in 2023

Each Thanksgiving I list all the people I am thankful for in my work. Plus books, nature and other inspiration. Here goes…but first, I want to say this:

Given all that’s going on in the world, including the incredible polarization and demonization of opposing viewpoints, it’s more important than ever to focus on gratitude, foster community, and buy and read books that support a wide variety of views and that cultivate EMPATHY, KINDNESS, INCLUSIVITY and PEACE. No one group has a monopoly on truth, so let’s keep an open mind and READ!

And let’s all remember: if we want to have the power to influence people’s perspectives and beliefs, we need to be humble, open-minded, compassionate, and open-hearted.

Big Picture Gratitude

Here are some of the many people and organizations I am grateful for in 2023:

Thankful in 2023 for Writing Communities

• Thank you to the inspiring writers who join me on Wednesdays and Thursdays to breathe, move, and write together in “Get Your Writing Done.” Thank you for your passion and commitment to your books, your message, and for sharing your gifts.
• I am thankful in 2023 for my clients–for the beautiful writing and insights I get to experience through supporting your work!
• A few weeks ago, I had my first poetry reading at Willet Free Library’s open house, and it was more exhilarating than I can describe! Thank you to everyone who came to support us. And to Willett Free Library’s poetry group–Paula, Gigi, Kay, Jo, Nora, Elizabeth, and Maureen–for all the feedback. And special thanks to Paula Schonewald, Christopher Caines, and Jane Bernstein for help choosing poems.
• Gratitude to our wonderful writing and journaling private community on Facebook: Write and Create with Lisa Tener. (Feel free to send a request to join if you haven’t already.)
• Thank you to the Association of RI Authors (ARIA) for the local community and particularly to the many volunteer leaders who make it all happen. I look forward to the RI Author Expo on Dec. 2. See you all there!
• To all the readers of The Joy of Writing Journal. Your feedback has brought me such joy and fulfillment. Thank you to every single person who has written a book review on Amazon. Reviews are a crucial part of reaching readers and helping them discover books. I know how busy people are, and I appreciate your taking the time to write a review. If you haven’t gotten to it yet, it’s not too late! We’re at 99 reviews and have been for weeks. It would feel amazing to break through the 100 mark.
• To everyone who joined me for a journaling related event and a special shout out to Samantha Bennett to traveled from Lyme, Connecticut to Barrington, RI for an evening event at Barrington Books!

Bookish Communities and Beyond

• Thank you to the many authors whose books have uplifted me during this season of grieving. And to Robin Kall Homonoff, champion of books and reading who has introduced me to a whole bunch of wonderful books through her podcast and events, particularly those at bookstore/winebargallery Curioisity&Co.
• Thank you to Willett Free Library Director Jennifer, staff members Ben, Lindsey, Allison, Emilie, and Barbara, and the wonderful volunteers, members and patrons who make our library so central to community life.
• A big thank you to these communities that invited me to speak, present and teach in the past year: Nonfiction Writers Conference and Nonfiction Authors Association (shout out to Stephanie Chandler and Carla King), Willett Free Library, Barrington Books, Association of RI Authors (ARIA)/ RI Author Expo, Volusia County Schools, Doctors on Social Media, The Journey of Intrinsic Health community, Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital.
• Thanks to all the bookstores carrying The Joy of Writing Journal including Barrington Books, Wakefield Books, Books on the Square, Omega Institute Bookstore and to Alayne White Spa which includes the journal in their wonderful gift boxes for writers!
• A special thank you to Robert Peng and DongMei, Nancy Gardner, the Robert Peng Qigong community for your extraordinary teaching and support, and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and Omega Institute where I learned The Master Key practices.

Thank you, Team!

Thank you to everyone on my team – all the vendors and colleagues who helped me do what I do. I hope I have contributed as much to your life, work and fulfillment as you have to mine!

I could write a book of gratitude to my VA who has been with me for over a decade and without whom I could never have offered the level of service we provide. Thank you Geri Lafferty. 

Thank you to my two amazing co-facilitators who alternate teaching with me—Sharon Burton and Laurie Hunt. Also, web gurus Rachel Vane and Jennifer Ann Walsh, Jamie Palmer, social media/marketing guru and her team, especially Joyce Trono, and awards consultant Melissa Sones.

And to writing coach Tama Kieves for your loving support!

To Ian Garlic, Carina Marquez, and the team at Video Case Story. I am so excited to be working with you to reach my people.

We wish good luck to our former author Interviewer and website assistant UCLA grad Claire Nakamura, who has left for graduate school and teaching and we welcome our new author interviewer, Zakeerah Cooper.

Thank you to publishing angels Tamara Monosoff and Bryna Haynes and her team (hi Maria!) at Worldchangers Media. To Laurence O’Bryan and the Team at BooksGoSocial helping me reach more readers through those Amazon Ads.

Still Thankful in 2023!

Thank you to my coaching, ghostwriter, and editor colleagues whom I refer—a long list—I love you all and am grateful to have such amazing folks to refer people to: Stuart Horwitz, Annie Tucker, Janice Harper, Simon Golden, Dan Janal, Lynne Heinzmann, Lynne Klippel, Tim Rayborn, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Claudia Volkman, Danielle Wolffe, Howard Van Es, plus old friends I haven’t yet worked with this year and the new colleagues coming online.

And my husband Tom Patterson—grateful to be on this entrepreneurial (and life) journey with you and for all your wise counsel and support. And to my sweet sons, Luke and Will Patterson. Grateful to be your mom.