It’s that time of year again. I posted this picture one other thanksgiving to discuss  our “shadow”. In Jungian Analytical theory, I wrote, there is a concept called the Shadow. The Shadow is the collection of unacceptable characteristics about ourselves, others, and society that we place in the dark nooks and crannies of our personality. The more one is true to themselves, the smaller the shadow is. What I also added: “Every individual needs,” as Jung stated in 1966, “a revolution, inner division, overthrow of the existing order, and renewal, but not by forcing them upon his neighbors under the hypocritical cloak of Christian love or the sense of social responsibility.” I would add … or an adherence to cultural demands and institutions. So family members and holidays don’t have to go together, if you still want to celebrate the holiday.

This year, I’m giving thanks to me. We don’t  give thanks to ourselves enough. My new collection is coming out in three weeks, Deadly Illusions (The title kinda fits with our “shadow” lurking about to nudge us to question reality), and I’m proud of my work. Each collection gets deeper and richer. Just when you think you have done your best work … I know we all go through those phases, but I’ve been pleased with each growth spurt.

I helped produce the 24 hour play fest for the Playwright center of San Francisco, and learned what goes into a theatre production.

My plays have taken off this year with an award in Marin Fringe, and one play chosen to be produced in NYC (Times Square Theatre) and in SF (Exit Theatre). “A Clean Well-Lighted Park Bench” will show in two weeks, Dec 3,4,5,10,11,12! Seven shows, eight plays. I’ll take pictures.

Then, I completed my psychological thriller, Moloch and the Angel, am sending it off to agents. Even if it doesn’t get picked up by an agent, I am thrilled that I have worked it to my satisfaction. I thank me for hanging in with all the drafts, researching pace and movement, and most of, asking for help. Sure I’m grateful to those that aided in my growth, but right now I’m indulging in self gratitude; it’s making me smile just writing this.

But most of all, I am thankful for finally reaching a decision on how I’m going to spend the next year of my writing life: my Dr. Anna Smith series and plays. My short stories are turning into plays anyway, so I’ll focus on my novel and plays.  I’m relieved that I made that decision, and am thankful that I have the acumen to see clearly a path, and the strength to follow it.

So for any of you reading this, thank yourself for your accomplishments, for hanging in when you thought you couldn’t, for making a unspoken promise to yourself, and for that smile that seems to appear out of nowhere.