11/21/2023
REAL TALK - I'm going to put real estate and mortgages on the back burner today, and talk about something that is important to all of us in one way or another - being thankful for what we have.
This week is Thanksgiving, and although most of what we think about is delicious food, quality time with family, and football... to me, it goes much deeper than that.
"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
I love the quote above (Charles Dickens) for this specific reason - we get so caught up in what's not working, or what's going wrong, or what we don't have, and we don't take enough time to slow down and reflect on our "present blessings" that are all around us every single day.
I'd like to be vulnerable and share a few thoughts on what I am thankful for and why. And hopefully, by reading this, you take a few moments this week to identify what you are thankful for because I know there is someone out there in this world that is thankful for you.
-My health & safety. It’s easy to overlook being safe and healthy, but when I see what’s happening in the world, I try not to take these 2 things for granted.
-My wife Alexa. We got married back in April, but I’ve known her for 11 years. She means the world to me and has loved and supported me unconditionally throughout every aspect of life. She truly makes me a better man, an overall human being, and I consider myself the luckiest guy in the world every single day.
-My family. Every family is different in their own way, and mine is no exception. But one thing they absolutely do not lack is relentless love and support to no end. I’ve been blessed to of grown up with a family that supported me in everything I did and did whatever they could to make sure I lived a life of fulfillment and opportunity. I am proud to be a son, a brother, and a husband, and it’s all because of the family that I have around me.
-My 94-year-old grandmother "Gramps". She is the last grandparent I have left, and every day that I still have her in my life is a blessing. She is still a firecracker and makes our family laugh, and we’re all very thankful that we have her in our lives.
My 5.5-month-old puppy Leo. There is something very special about the love and loyalty that a dog gives. Alexa and I are so happy to have a little rugrat of a puppy running around our house. He has brought us an additional layer of love into our family.
-My past and present mentors and role models. So many people have helped me along my journey in the mortgage industry. And although it’s rarely ever been easy, it’s the guidance of those individuals who gave me a shot, took me under their wing, and helped push me past my comfort zone, that has made it all worth it.
-My current and past Broker Partners. You are the ones that gave me a shot and I could not be more grateful and appreciative. I know you have multiple options, and the fact that you chose me to do business with is something I never take for granted.
The things we end up being thankful for are sometimes the very things we readily dismiss or don’t pay enough attention to - the things right under our noses on a daily basis. The trials, tribulations, joys, successes, failures, the pain we feel, the love share with others... they are all part of the journey, and within all of that….there is much to be thankful for.
Do yourself a favor and at some point this week... stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and think about all of the wonderful things you have in your life.
The world needs more love & gratitude, and it can start with you.
Wishing you and your family a very safe, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving.
-Josh