As I attempted to digest those extra scoops of mashed potatoes and stuffing last Thursday night, two competing sensations overcame me. The first was an uncomfortable tsunami of tryptophan… the second was pure gratitude. Gratitude for things like:
The best life partner to share this special journey with.
A 5 year old daughter who is the best big sister and role model for her siblings.
A 3 year old boy who has the biggest laugh and brings out the biggest laugh in all of us.
A new baby girl who has the sweetest blue eyes and most reliable sleep patterns.
A Mom/Mimi who is even better than Santa Claus and Princess Elsa in the eyes of her grandkids.
A Dad who got me back into tennis by being the best hitting partner a son could ask for.
A father in law who’s shown me the power of his 4Fs.
Siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and a 90 year old Grandmom who continue to make our family trees more vibrant and full than ever before.
Friends who have established the best village to raise our kids in.
And how those same responsible and successful friends can still revert back to our 23 year old maturity levels on occasion.
A best friend who invited me to be his Best Man.
A cousin who has showed me what Mamba Mentality is all about.
And beyond all that, I’m so thankful to have:
Teammates and clients at Financial Coach/New Wealth Project who continue to give me the opportunities, support, and flexibility to do what I love on a daily basis.
A 30+ Men’s League soccer team who provides a washed up mediocre soccer player an opportunity to exercise, compete, and banter with the boys on Thursday nights at USTC.
Local elementary schools who allowed me to share Charlie Buys a Bike with their students.
A daycare/preschool that my kids love and a YMCA that we used as a lifeline throughout the year.
My favorite sports teams who have entertained us and made us proud all year round.
And all the great people and experiences that made my life a little better along the way.
If you’re still reading this- I’m thankful for you for continuing to engage with these monthly reflections. I have so much to be thankful for in 2023 and even more to look forward to in 2024…
But next year when they say “take it all in,” I’ll try to remember they’re talking about the blessings- not the casserole.
The Janiec Reflection 