The past 9 months have forced all of us into circumstances and situations that we’re unable to control. I realized months ago that dwelling on the negative was having an adverse impact on my mood. With great consciousness, I began to offer gratitude for the gifts I have in life. This limited experience has convinced me that a mindset of gratitude leads to greater happiness.
Each day I focus time and energy on exercising my body, exercising my faith, and exercising my mind. Gratitude, as it turns out, is exercising my happiness. According to Psychcentral.com, “People who are grateful are likely to be happier, hopeful, and energetic, and they possess positive emotions more frequently. Individuals also tend to be more spiritual or religious, forgiving, empathetic, and helpful, while being less depressed, envious, or neurotic.
Leading up to Thanksgiving, even in the midst of a pandemic, I am thankful for…
More Time with My Young Family
Working from home throughout 2020 has given me more time with my family. My beautiful wife Amber and our daughter Jual are the reasons I exist. They’re the reasons I often work long hours in the office and around the house. Having more time to spend with the women I love is the greatest blessing I have. They are the driving force behind all that I do.
My Faith-Based Community
My faith in God guides my life decisions. Every day, I give thanks to God for the gifts I have. While I haven’t been able to gather with them much this year, my faith community at Celebration Church is one of the rocks on which Amber and I build our lives. I know that I have their support no matter the circumstances.
Friendships I’ve Built with Clients
The work I do is a reward in and of itself. Providing financial guidance that impacts and helps people live better, more complete lives is an incredible way to go through life. Over the years, several client relationships have blossomed into friendships. I am thankful for the friendships that Amber and I share with the people I am honored to call my client.
Continued Health and Physical Well-Being
Today is a gift and tomorrow is a mystery. I approach each day with the understanding that nothing is a given. I try to make the most out of each day and hope to do that for many years to come. In celebration and thanks for each day and with a vision for the future, I make time to work on my health and physical well-being.
The Nature Around Me
Not too long ago, Amber and I made the decision to call Neptune Beach, FL our home. I am thankful for the ability, even during lockdown and pandemic, to take a walk on the beach and appreciate all that nature has to offer. If you’re open to miracles, you only need to look at the natural world around you to understand that God is in everything we experience and enjoy.
The First Responders and Front Line Professionals that Keep Our Lives Moving Forward
I have to wonder where we would be without the front-line professionals that work tirelessly to ensure we have the healthcare and critical supplies to continue a semi-normal life. Thank you to all the essential employees who risk their health to help us all.
Running a Business in the 21st Century
As wild as this year has been, the technologies at our disposal have helped to ensure that my business continues to grow. As silly as it seems, I am thankful for the moment in time that I am alive. I am thankful for the tools at my disposal to continue to serve the people in my care and provide for my family.
2020 has impacted us all. Many of us have lost loved ones, lost jobs, lost income, lived in fear and anxiety of the unknown, and have been unsure what the future holds. Because of the rollercoaster we’ve been on, I find it more important to focus on gratitude. Instead of the negative emotion around that which we’ve lost, I continue each day expressing thanks for the gifts I have. I hope this message of gratitude puts a smile on your face and makes you pause for a moment to reflect on the good in your life.