Answering The Question: Now, I'm Giving Thanks
A brief list of some of the (many) things I'm thankful for.
What I am grateful for right now, a list in no particular order:
Keep It Run Hundred, the running community I joined here in Los Angeles. Finally showed up to a Thursday run of theirs in May, thankful I did, and kicking myself for not going earlier. It has felt so good to get back into running, and in the six months since I’ve run two half-marathons (my first in years), and signed up for my first-ever marathon (signing up and showing up are two different things). Plus, I’ve built some wonderful friendships.
Also grateful for the body that will see me through to accomplish these, and other, feats. Proud of the journey it has taken me on, and I it.
My chosen family. Their diversity of talents, experiences, and words enriches my life each and every day. It humbles me to realize how blessed I am to be surrounded by people who are so giving of their time, spirit, and love.
Luna. How could I not be grateful for little miss thing?
Estate sales, and my friend who introduced me to them. I could spend every weekend in LA browsing the homes and belongings of the recently deceased. It’s a great source of design inspiration and sustainable purchasing, plus a means for continuing to explore this new city I call home.
The apartment I was lucky enough to find in LA. This was my first opportunity to build a new home, on my own, in over a decade. I moved both fast and slow in settling in, but as I approach the one-year anniversary of my move-in date I can say that I do feel I have cultivated a space that becomes more mine each and every day.
The act of journaling, which has grounded my growth and mental health over the past two years
The partnership and relationship I am entering, which feels grounded in mutual respect and safety. Excited to continue to build from those roots as we grow.
Group chats.
Travel, points, and miles. (Six months ago I’d have included Delta here)
The music of Prince Rogers Nelson.
NYT Connections. This little brain teaser from The New York Times is now a can’t-miss part of my mornings. I enjoy the little challenge from it, and love swapping results with friends.
My own resilience. In the past two years I’ve lost the business I co-founded, my job, my home, a few friends, a partner…and if you make that three years, a parent. In all of that, even while navigating and sitting in the emotional highs and lows, my outlook has remained positive, and I have kept my eyes on the future. I’m proud of myself for being able to do that, for dealing with setbacks and moving forward despite them, and for continuing to work towards my vision of who and what I want to become.
The people who worked for us at Digital Natives Group. I always reflect on how lucky we were to have people who entrusted us to help launch, accelerate, and/or evolve their careers. Us, a group of guys who had never held another job in marketing, and who had built this business off of little more than a hunch and a Wi-Fi connection. Their faith in us played a huge role in our eventual success.
This community!
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See you on Sunday with this week’s question.