I've been thinking a lot about the legend of the boy who calls out for help to save him from the big bad wolf. He does it so many times that finally when the wolf does arrive, no one is there to rescue him and he gets eaten.

For two years, I've put a call out to people about writing their account for “;The Benefit of the X: Personal Stories of Gratitude,”; saying I was going to have the manuscript done by a certain date. I have become very creative at extending my deadline with excuses like, “;adding men's stories,”; or “;I need to have 100,”; or “;I've gone back to a day job so I don't have enough time,”; or “;I'm working on building the social media portion,”; or “;I'm learning about film and video through Olelo Community Television now because that's what's keeping me interested.”;

To those who know me, I was even willing to admit I'd become a bit bored with the project and that's why I wanted to build it up in some other fashion.

BOTTOM LINE, all of this is about my being afraid of my own success, so I didn't want to really start working again. But the crying wolf had gotten out of hand, so I've created my own pressure to succeed.

The good news is that the book project and its delay has spawned workshops, a luncheon, resulted in three YouTube videos and a 15-minute, three-part series nearly complete for airing on Olelo. I've also made hundreds of new friends and find my time, overall, has been well spent.

For some to find the incentive to start a difficult task, it takes fire; others a cold bath or a jolt, perhaps like sky diving. Me ... a wolf. I discovered the wolf in my head was what I needed to get to moving. Fortunately I didn't let the wolf eat me and I'm still moving and planning to get your stories out! You can keep track of my progress and nudge me at http://www.benefitofthex.net.

So what is your story? Not the one about the animal or action that gets you moving in your life, but your story of gratitude?

You may not be ready to contribute one because you don't have one you recognize yet. You may be able to share this notion over a cup of tea or a glass of wine with a friend and discover that indeed you do have something to be grateful for.

My experience of sharing this idea of gratitude regarding a former relationship has invited many to entertain this thought for the first time, and those who have contacted me are pleased that someone is doing something about getting the good news out. Gratitude can be an incredible awakening, if one chooses to let it be. Now let it be yours.

June Dillinger's 17-year marriage, divorce and cooperative relationship with her ex led her to share her experiences through her Web site, “;The Benefit of the X.”;