The more I write, the more I realize that writing changes my state, my outlook on life, the way that I feel. And one of the best states that you can write yourself into is gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness.
So this week’s podcast, inspired by the holiday season, is a short (3:03 mins) blast through ways that we can use words and writing to express, and enjoy, a feeling of thankfulness.
Writing to say ‘thank you’ looks at the importance of:
- Meaning it – because insincerity can be spotted a mile off
- Sharing it - take the time to share it, to find the words, to convey the emotion
- Naming it - find the specific words for what you’re grateful for, however small (and maybe the smaller the better)
- Writing for yourself - taking the time to write down what you’re grateful for – in a blog, a journal, or wherever you write for yourself – can contribute to a powerful sense of gratitude over time
- Choosing to write – people only ever regret not saying ‘thank you’. Even if those two short, simple words seem inadequate they’re the best thing we’ve got to express it – so why not take the time to do just that?
You can listen to the podcast by following this link or going to my gcast page. You can explore the archive of Confident Writing podcasts here
Some extra thanks from me this week:
I’ve experimented with a short musical introduction… with grateful thanks to Paul Burns for the extract I’ve borrowed from his Thankfulness track
Thanks to Mike DeWitt from Spooky Action for coaching me with this plain English screencast on how to use Audacity for podcasting, how to add music, and how to cut out the moments when I don’t switch the ‘record’ button off in time 
I’m still experimenting, but I can see the path ahead now Mike, thank you.
And thanks to all of you for your continued support, encouragement, readership, contributions and comments. For those of you lucky enough to have a holiday this week – enjoy
Drat! You beat me to the most obvious (considering the Thanksgiving Holiday season here in the US) connecting phrase of all!
I know. Some short words you just can’t add to
Thanks Robert, for all your help and support to me over the last few months, it makes such a big difference to my motivation to have friends like you and Brad to share some nonsense with.
Have a great Thanksgiving
Joanna
Wow Joanna,
Great podcast and music. I really ought to try doing podcasts myself. Your music made me all teary eyed. I loved your tips, they are very valuable and the fact that the podcast isn’t too long it keeps the attention of the listener – me.
Hi Monika, thanks for stopping by
I’m glad you enjoyed the podcast – and that it held your attention. I don’t have much of an attention span myself when it comes to audio, so I’m always nervous about going on too long!
I’d definitely recommend giving it a whirl – if for no other reason than exploring the possibilities of different media and becoming more aware of why we prefer the ones we do (which for me is the written word…)
Joanna
Joanna,
Thanks so much for your insights! Really enjoyed your podcast! Gratitude is so important–not only at Thanksgiving but every day of the year. And though I know you aren’t in America, I’d like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving–or at least a happy giving of thanks–anyway!
Jeanne
Joanna, I loved the podcast-very inspiring! I love your blog-I have learned so much, thank you for sharing your expertise and passions with us. You inspire me to write!
Angela, thanks so much for the feedback on the podcast, and the blog.
My dream is to inspire people to write – it’s what makes me smile with delight and anticipation when I start work in the morning… so thanks very much for your words, it means a lot
Joanna
Joanna,
It was my pleasure to help you!
Mike
P.S. Sorry for the tardy response. I took a few days off the internet.
Mike, good for you! Except I missed you last week at Liz’s place – stayed up late and everything… (Actually I was wide-eyed after too much blogging…)
Thanks again for the tutorial – and inspiring me to keep experimenting
Joanna
Hi Joanna,
Last week I was at my son’s wrestling meet until very late Arizona time, and I figured Liz had already closed shop. I got some comments in this week, and will be there next week, too!
Mike