It’s that time of year when we take stock of the past and give thanks for all the blessings we’ve received.
I know, this post is late for Thanksgiving, but it’s always a good time to focus on the good things that have come to us. It helps put things into perspective and makes us open to accept more of the positive.
The 10 things I’m most grateful for in 2011 are:
1. My clients
Of course, clients are what every freelancer covets, and I’ve got some of the best ones. A client who first hired me in 2008 became a retainer client this year. Another client I’ve had since 2010, and her resulting success amazes and inspires me. This year I’ve also gotten new clients who blow me away with their talents. I’m humbled to be writing copy for them.
2. Becoming a partner at Solo Masterminds
This year I became a partner at Solo Masterminds, formerly known as Mom Masterminds. This mastermind group of women entrepreneurs helped me get started as a freelancer — not just any freelancer but a freelance copywriter who actually earns an income. I consider them my sisters in business. We share everything with each other, even personal heartaches. What a privilege to play a more active role in this group!
3. Meeting business owners in person
One of my goals this year was to begin working with local businesses in my city. As a result, I’ve joined my very first networking group, the Women’s Economic Forum. I’m grateful for the hospitality the board members have shown me, the camaraderie I’ve seen among the members, and the extremely talented and generous members who inspire me with awe.
As an introvert, live networking events tend to terrify and exhaust me. However, I always find WEF events fun and relaxing. I’m happy to have the chance to get dressed up, put on makeup, and socialize with like-minded women sans husband and children.
4. Guest blogging at Freelance Folder and International Freelancers Academy
This month marks my second year anniversary writing for Freelance Folder. Also, this year, I became a contributor for International Freelancers Academy. I’m grateful for these opportunities to reach more freelancers. I’m grateful to my editor, Laura Spencer, for being so patient and helpful. I hope my writing inspires the readers of Freelance Folder and IFA to persevere and succeed in their freelancing business.
5. My first local and B2B clients
Almost as soon as I announced I was going to start working with local and B2B clients, I started getting them. The opportunities came from unexpected places, and for that I am grateful. They have encouraged me to continue going in the direction I’ve chosen.
6. Passive income
It’s always a good idea for freelancers to have multiple streams of income. After all, there will be times when projects — and therefore our income — are slow. I’m grateful that my other income sources, such as affiliate marketing and advertising on my other blogs, have increased significantly this year. Unfortunately, they’re still not enough for me to quite freelancing altogether 
but at least I know that if I ever had to stop working altogether, I can count on some of these other income sources to at least cover my costs (e.g., web hosting, Internet access, etc.).
7. Support from my husband and children
My husband has been a tremendous support in my freelancing. Since the beginning, he has been behind me all the way. He even picks up some of the household chores I neglect when I’m busy with client work. Do you know of any other husband who, after a full day’s work, would be willing to do the dishes or the laundry? Mine does and for that, he deserves a big appreciation in this post.
My children have also been very understanding when Mommy needs quiet time to chat on Skype with a client. They love being able to see me when they get home from school, often with a freshly baked batch of cookies. This experience alone makes freelancing worthwhile.
8. Flexibility of the freelancing lifestyle
I’m grateful to be able to attend school events at 1 in the afternoon, do my Couch to 5K workout any time I want, take naps when DS’s eczema has kept me up… pretty much plan my work around the rest of my life. It used to be the opposite. I had to schedule family time, fitness, hobbies etc around my office schedule. Not any more.
9. My webinar guests
I didn’t do as many webinars in year as I’ve done in the past, but you gotta admit, my lineup for webinar guests in 2011 were stellar: Pam Slim, Steve Slaunwhite, Jeanna Pool and Kenn Schroder.
Webinar subscribers always thank me for the excellent information they get from my webinars, but the truth is, I learn just as much as you do, if not more. I admire my guests, because they’re gracious enough to pay attention to me, even though I don’t have a gazillion subscribers. I know it’s because, as much as they want exposure, they also sincerely want to help freelancers succeed.
Kudos to them!
10. My readers and webinar subscribers
Last, but certainly not the least, I am grateful to you, my readers and webinar subscribers. You have grown to over 3,500 in number this year, even though I didn’t make a big push to build my lists this year.
Your personal stories and questions inspire me to continue building The Savvy Freelancer as a source of useful content for freelancers. Your emails, tweets, and other messages of appreciation fuel me to go on, even when client work is heavy and I’m tired.
Most of all, I appreciate you giving me your time and attention. By now you know that I always say, “Time is more valuable than money, because money you can earn again. But time, once spent, is gone forever.”
Thank you for choosing to spend your time reading this blog and my emails, posting comments, sending responses, attending my webinars, and letting me know how you’re getting along.
Writing this list has made me see what a good year 2011 has been for me as a freelancer. Sure, I had setbacks, frustrations, and disappointments. But looking at this list, I know the good outweighed the bad.
What’s on your 2011 gratitude list? Share them below and let’s celebrate the closing of 2011 together.
photo credit: kelsey_lovefusionphoto
