10 Things I’m Grateful for This Thanksgiving

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” – Gautama Buddha

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine (dare I say grind) of life. From the next work deadline and getting your kid to hockey practice to training for the Boston marathon, it becomes difficult to take a moment just to be and observe. These moments to yourself are important.

Taking 5 minutes a day to reflect on your positives for the day–or things you’re thankful for–can be a powerful exercise. It can help you notice the small joys in life and appreciate things that often go unnoticed. But best of all, it can rewire your brain to see the positive in stuff. And THAT is mighty useful when facing a challenging time.

So today, besides wishing you a happy Thanksgiving, I’d like to share 10 things I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving.

1)  Family

The love and support I receive from my wife and kids is amazing. They have fully supported my career change to coaching and it has allowed me to pursue meaningful work that is personally rewarding, and I’ve never been happier. They are my lighthouse, and I couldn’t imagine navigating life without them.

2)  Friends

Some of my closest friends are people I have known since childhood or early in my adult life. They have been with me through good times and bad. The confidence I get from having them in my life is priceless. One friend told me once “I would bury a body for you” Fortunately, I’m not in need of that service, but their loyalty is truly special.

3)  Kona, my cat

Fur therapy is REAL! Seriously, even when Kona is being mischievous, picking him up and cuddling him at the end of a hard day can truly reduce stress and make you feel happy.  

7 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Being a Cat Owner

4)  My coaching journey

Coaching has been transformational for me. The benefits I received from my coach training allowed me to become a different person. I’m happier, less stressed, and fulfilled because of my training and every day I witness the real benefits coaching can bring to peoples lives.

5)  Mountains

I grew up in the Green Mountains of Vermont and there is something magical about a walk in the woods. Being in nature, exercising, and experiencing the magnificent views from the peak after a long hike rejuvenates the soul. It humbles you in a good way and connects you to the bigger world you are part of. It’s my personal “Ego” buster hack to bring needed perspective into my life.

My Happy Place - Owl’s Head, Groton State Forest, Vermont

6)  Canva

As someone who creates all my content, Canva is a huge time saver. I can create one digital asset and it will automatically reformat the design for different social media platforms. I also found an unintended benefit of using Canva. Being a career tax guy, I was always knee deep in complex regulations and number crunching. I really enjoy expressing my creative side by producing content and I get a little hit of dopamine when a design is finished, and it comes to life.

7)  Early mornings

I am usually the first one up in my house. I love using this time to journal, meditate, and reflect. In modern times we are inundated with information. All of which can be a distraction to what is truly important. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius says, “Ask yourself at every moment, ‘is this necessary?’” In Ryan Holiday’s book, “Stillness is the Key”, he states, “The way you feel when you awake early in the morning and your mind is fresh and as yet unsoiled by the noise of the outside world- that’s space worth protecting.” Early mornings allow you to choose what is most important to you. It is the roadmap of how you choose to live, and choice IS the ultimate freedom.

8)  Campfires

I find campfires to be magical for several reasons. First, it brings back so many memories of friends and family spending time together. It was the original group chat without distractions. No TV or phone (they were only inside) and the stories and laughs we shared were genuine. Throw in star gazing and smores and you have a perfect night. I’ll never forget the first time my daughter saw a shooting star, or my son pointed out the big dipper. Priceless.

9)  Health

I am grateful for generally being healthy and able to do what I want. While there is always room for improvement, I am thankful my body allows me to do things I enjoy and even some things I don’t, but have to do anyways (Can you say yardwork?)

10)  Giving Tuesday

I am so excited about being able to give back to others this Giving Tuesday by offering free coaching to whomever signs up. Coaching, both the training and being coached, has transformed my life. I see myself and the world differently and I’ve never been happier. While I need to make a living, Giving Tuesday provides me the chance to show others just how powerful coaching can be. I can’t think of anything I’ve experienced in my professional life that has been more rewarding than seeing a client’s life changed for the better.

Use this link to sign up for a free 30 minute session on November 28th between 8am-7pm.

Now that I think of it, there are so many other things I can add to the list. But I’ll stop here. I’ll also take this chance to encourage you to make a list of your own. What things are you grateful for this season?