Happy American Thanksgiving!
While we Canadians celebrated our Thanksgiving last month, I wanted to take this cold, wintery day to write my 2011 gratitude list. Maybe it’s the fire and the Christmas music and the hot coffee as I sit here at Starbucks, but for whatever reason, I’m feeling very grateful today.
So, as you enjoy your turkey and family-time, here’s what I’m most grateful for this year::
- My kids – while it’s been a crazy, chaotic year with two kids under three, I wouldn’t change it for the world. They teach me to be present and remember what’s most important.
- My husband – I have the most supportive, kind and funny husband a girl could ask for. He’s stuck with me even through the hard times of new babies and businesses, and I couldn’t have done it without him.
- My family – I’m lucky to have a very loving, supportive family. Yes, they are a little crazy at times (whose aren’t?) but I know they’d do anything for me. Special props to my mom for being the second mom to my kids while I worked.
- Our childcare providers – because I found the most amazing two women, Dione & Trish (mother and daughter) to watch my kids, I can go to work without worrying and feeling guilty. That is a huge blessing.
- You, my readers – This business is about you. I write for you. I create for you. I lie in bed and think about you (not like that silly!) – wondering what you most need. Thank you for reading and being part of this community.
- My clients – you inspire me, and remind me why I do what I do. I LOVE working with each and every one of you as you build brands that matter. Thank you.
- My friends, mentors + colleagues – you know who you are (special props to the B-school Babes, Gina, Jen, Chantel, Natalie, Suzanne, Jill, Dani, Tanja and Kim)! Too many to name here. But thank you for having my back, supporting me, championing me, sharing my stuff and just being awesome friends (near and afar).
- My VA – Without Tina, I wouldn’t have been able to do half of what I did this year. She was a lifesaver in more ways than one.
- The internet – because of the internet, I can have a business that does not require me to rush my kids off to daycare at the crack of dawn and pick them up into the evening. I can work with people all over the world (and do!). I can create the business of my dreams.
- Starbucks – yes, I really did just say Starbucks. I’m grateful for the good coffee, comfy chairs and for being my office away from home. Oh, and their lemon poppyseed bread is pretty good too.
- My work – I truly love what I do. It took a while to get there, but now that I’m in the groove – it’s just magic. I never say, “ugh – I don’t want to go to work tomorrow.” And that’s bliss.
- My freedom – As entrepreneurs, we are in an incredible position to really chart our own destiny. To create a business that feeds our soul and our bank account. To express our creativity in a way that makes a difference. I’m wickedly grateful for this!
- My dog Molly – how could I wrap up without mentioning my fur friend? While I’m not so grateful for the constant clean-ups (she’s got a SUPER sensitive tummy), I am grateful for her unconditional love and for keeping me warm and safe when Gord goes away on business.
As we wrap up 2011, I realize how much I have to be grateful for – that I have all that really matters. Healthy, happy kids. A loving and supportive family. A community of women entrepreneurs dedicated to doing great things in the world (I’m talking to you!). A roof over my head and a warm Starbucks to drink.
A lot of people would kill for the life I lead. And for the life you lead. Remember that when things feel tough. And remember that you can do and create anything you want in this world.You have that power.
If you have a moment away from stuffing a turkey or playing your fifth game of charades, I’d love to hear what you’re thankful for this year. Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Thanksgiving!
