As we approach Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I thought it would be a nice change of pace to talk about thankfulness.
Specifically, I thought I’d list what I’m thankful for and you could do the same.
Now I have been so blessed that I could probably write 10,000 words on all the things I’m thankful for.
Assuming you don’t want to read that much, I’ll just share my top ten. 馃檪
Here they are (in no particular order):
- Health – I’ve talked a few times about my recent fitness journey. In fact, I’m now in the best shape of my life. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but I’m so thankful that I met my trainer and that he was able to help me. I plan on getting even better through the years (though I am fighting time) and feeling even better. Good health allows me to really enjoy and be thankful for all the other things in life and I’m quite thankful for it.
- Wife – I couldn’t imagine where I’d be without my wife. In fact, it’s kind of scary to even think about it. She’s been the best part of my life and our family in many areas. I’m so thankful we’ve been together for all these years and I’m looking forward to many more.
- Kids – I have two great kids who I couldn’t love more. I’m so proud of them both and so excited to see where their lives go. I know they both have great things ahead of them!
- Parents – The rest of my family is awesome too. In particular my mom and step-dad are great and a big part of our lives (we want them to move near us!) My dad is also relatively close to us and keeps in close touch.
- Retirement – I never thought it would ever be this good. Seriously. Imagine waking up every day and doing whatever you want to (almost at least — there are still some things you HAVE to do.) When I retired I thought I might go back to work one day. Now I can’t see myself ever doing that again (though people still are throwing job opportunities at me now and then).
- Finances – Having good finances makes retirement possible. But beyond that, having more than enough and a lot of safety even if things turn south, makes money worries non-existent. That’s an awesome feeling.
- This site (and the readers) – I LOVE writing here. Yes, it’s “work” and a challenge at times but it’s something I really enjoy. One reason is there are so many great and interesting readers here who leave helpful and insightful comments. I hope I can get to meet some of you sometime soon (anyone for a financial meet-up/vacation combo in Colorado?) 馃槈
- Colorado – Have I mentioned lately how awesome this state is? I absolutely love living here. Why didn’t I move here sooner?
- Interests – One of the reasons I love retirement is that there’s so much to do: write, read, hike, travel, exercise, and on and on. I am never bored and if anything, I’m looking for ways to dial it back a bit sometimes.
- Future – The future is so bright I can barely stand it. I get up at 5:30 am every day because each day is so awesome and full of promise.
So, that’s my list. What’s on yours?
And of course — Happy Thanksgiving!!!
The future. LOVE THIS ONE!
Thanksgiving is such an awesome time of the year with the gratitude push and the food push. Nothing like being thankful with a full belly with your family !!
Great post, it’s so important to give thanks.
After two employees at my job being killed in separate car crashes this year, I’m thankful that I’m here and reminded how fragile life can be.
Earlier this year, I was trying to contact a recruiting company in another state and no one would respond. I left multiple voicemails and emails. I was pretty annoyed. When I finally get a call back a week later, the manager apologizes and says he had 2 recruiters out on PTO and 2 team members had passed away that previous week. I felt like crap.
Even though you didn’t rank these, it’s amazing how much health matters. Without good health, so many other things on the list would be affected. And after visiting Colorado, I can definitely see why you love it there! We’ll be back again – so much to see and experience! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes! Come back!!! 馃槈
Great post.
As for me, I’m most thankful for my wife. Every good thing in my life is due to her. My kids, my faith (she is a great evangelist 馃檪 ), our great home, my professional success (she took care of the kids and all household chores, bills, etc. while I went to law school at night), our financial success (her family suffered during the Depression and frugalness is now written in her family’s DNA).
I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.
I’m also very grateful for ESI Money. Your guest post on Budgets Are Sexy, ’10 Things I Didn鈥檛 Expect in Early Retirement, was a game changer for me. I have bookmarked that post, read it several times, sent it to family and friends, etc.
Thanks! Appreciate that!!!
A fantastic post, you are a giver and it shows in your writing and posting 馃檪 When you give, you open up your world to so much.
I’m thankful for my family, knowledge, and future. There’s a lot to do in the world, and I’m just at the beginning of my journey.
Happy Thanksgiving 馃檪
Perspective is definitely needed this time of year. For many of us, including myself, I lead a pretty darn good life. And I, of course, am most thankful for my wife. I really have never laughed with anyone so much in my life. We definitely have differences, but it makes life more interesting.
Thanks, ESI Money. You remind us it’s always important to look to the positive when so much negativity surrounds us.
I like the idea of the Colorado Financial meet-up. Any thoughts on a bike/hike/run in the foothills ending with FIRE chats by a real fire?
That would be cool (except the run part)! 馃檪
Anyone else want in?
Great list! How about a health and wealth meet-up in 2018? As soon as your wife says yes to house-guests you met on the internet let me know. 馃槈
Happy Thanksgiving ESI!
Haha! Happy Thanksgiving!
Awesome list ESI. Happy Thanksgiving.
You truly have much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thankful for first grandchild. She was due last Friday but still not here. Maybe a thanksgiving day present? Praying for a healthy experience for mom and baby….
Congrats! My dad’s birthday is on Thanksgiving every now and then.
Great post ESI. Thanks for sharing what you are thankful for. I too am grateful for many of the same things. The future looks bright. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Great list and comments from others. It is so important to step back and look at all the positives in each of our lives. A historical view is important and continuing the good into the future. Reading your BLOG and then the comments of similar people is refreshing. A Colorado met up would be fun, not sure of the running part but hiking is a YES. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Hi ESI,
Great list. I think it’s quite complete. I’d only add being thankful for having a (mostly) sound mind, in a sound body.
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Mike
I second Mike’s post, most thankful for a sound mind and body. And of course all the other stuff everyone else has named. Here’s my list God, health, husband, family, job, house, car, dogs, city, friends, sunshine, food, freedom, and relative safety. (with all that’s happened I know we aren’t 100% safe anywhere)
Debbie
health, financial independence ($4m+ so far), healthy family, artistic friends, and a beautiful area of the country (check out Lake Guntersville in Alabama sometime – our sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, especially in the winter).
I’ve got many of the same things to be thankful for. Really – I live an incredibly blessed life. Still, I’m striving for more – primarily the freedom to do exactly what I want to do on a daily basis. For now, I’m still working for the man, but I’m hoping that will change soon. I’m on the right track if nothing else…