The Thanksgiving Newsletter
I'm trying to enter the holidays with a more intentional mindset this year. So here is a newsletter full of amazing people (and a few other things) I'm thankful for.
The problem with being future-oriented is I rarely take the time to reflect. And when I do, it's a reflection on the things to learn from, not necessarily the things to be grateful for.
So, at the urging of my friend Greg (for whom I'm thankful), I took time to reflect on what I'm grateful for in 2023. (And believe me, 2023 did NOT make this easy on me…)
So here we go, my most self-centered newsletter since launching it a year ago!
I'm thankful for…
…my wife, Melissa. Recently, she was out of commission for over a week, and, good night, it reaffirmed how instrumental she is!
… Emma's help in guiding our son through the college application process. It's complicated and messy, and she did terrific work!
…watching my daughters excel in their respective sports. They are turning into strong, confident young women, and I'm so very proud!
…my sisters, a source of constant support, wisdom, and laughs.
… my mother, who remains, after all these years, my biggest fan.
…cherished friendships with so many individuals and couples. 2023 was filled with dinners, coffees, beers, bourbons, and trips with those we know and love. They make life rich!
…new team members: Veronica, Sam, Italia, and a few field members helping us build a better future.
…the official launch of TBS. We're not profitable yet, but we're on the right track!
… EO, for helping me build deep connections with many I appreciate and respect and for allowing me to operate beyond my comfort zone.
…our church leadership for continually challenging us to be "imagers" of Him.
… Biz & Brews, a poorly-named but much-enjoyed monthly meet-up of local Modesto-area business owners. (Email me if you'd like to join us: scott [at] scottmoonday.com)
…success and traction in CRATE's new Elk Grove location, allowing us to exceed our 2023 goals for this region.
…Jake, Carrie, and Rich and their leadership at CRATE.
…our "rockstars" at work who show up every day and do great things. Paula, Jose, Bill, Brian, Daniel, and the many team members on-site who get the work done!
…lessons learned from departures at work, leading to improvements in operations and hiring practices we can build upon.
…Wilson Phillips, for their sweet, sweet harmonies.
…recovery from an injury last fall, allowing me to finally return (after 6+ months) to the daily exercise I need for my mental health.
…Whole 30, for resetting something inside of me (I do not know what the magic was) that has made the last 5 months some of the healthiest of my life.
…Valley Meal Prep, for making clean lunches super easy.
…the mental refreshment and perspective gained through travel experiences. Travel means growing closer to those I travel with, and that alone makes the journey worthwhile!
…the forced reflection from maintaining this weekly newsletter cadence, providing perspective for the future.
I'd love to hear what you're thankful for in the comments section of this post.
Wishing you and yours a fantastic upcoming Thanksgiving!
PS: Someone asked me if I make any money from links in my newsletter. Nope!
I’d love it if a few more folks read this newsletter. Might you consider forwarding it to someone you think might benefit from it?
Books of Note: Stephen Schwarzman's What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence is an extraordinary business memoir. He started a little company called Blackstone ($1 Trillion+ in assets under management) in the 1980s. It's a fascinating story of how this behemoth was built, including mistakes made along the way. It's also a great listen if you prefer audio!
I’d love a follow over on X (Twitter) and Linkedin, as I post things there that are either too brief for the newsletter or are just entertaining things I come up with over a responsibly-sized serving of Blanton’s.