‘Tis the season, for Starbucks holiday drinks, airport security lines, busted Christmas lights, delicious food family gatherings, and for many people, stress. As someone who has spent many a holiday under stress, I have learned the value of gratitude. As Thanksgiving comes upon us, I thought I would take some time to reflect on the things I have found myself grateful for this year.
MY JOB
Being able to work for myself is what I was made for, and it’s opened up opportunities to do things like learning how to fly. Running a company is hard all the time, and sometimes it sucks, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic clients. I know everyone says that, but I have had very few clients who have given me trouble over the past 3 years. Des Moines is home to a great community of creative professionals and I’m really grateful to be able to call these people my community.
He’s a bad influence on Ryan.
GEOFF AND RYAN
In August, we lost my beautiful Luna to kidney failure. It was devastating and it was hard and I swore I would never do it again. So, five days later, I got Geoff. Geoff and I took a minute to warm up to each other, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with him. Then on November 12, I went to the animal shelter on a whim (yes, I know, bad idea), and while I had no intention of adopting, Ryan caught my eye and a few hours later, I took him home. Geoff has been happier since I brought him his friend, and they have grown close enough where I regularly call them codependent. They watch each other poop, so if that’s not codependent I don’t know what is. I’m so grateful for these two and all the mischief and joy they bring to my home.
MY BOYFRIEND
He is everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more. I am particularly grateful for the way he holds me accountable for my work, the way he tells me the truth even when it’s hard, and the way he supports my business and believes in my success. He encourages me to be vulnerable and take risks even when I’m scared. He’s the Ben Wyatt to my Leslie Knope. Everyone should have a cheerleader in their life. My dad was mine, and after I lost him, I was my own cheerleader. Now it feels like I have two.
I recognize that I have been afforded great privilege in life. I have the financial security to run a company and not worry about making ends meet. I have the privilege of being able to work for joy, not a necessity. I have the privilege of having a partner in life. I recognize that not everyone has these things, and at one point I didn’t have these things. I never want to be so wrapped up in myself that I lose sight of those who long for these things and struggle in the process of getting them. The core of my business is empowerment and the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. My goal in life and in business is to be someone that lifts and empowers everyone around me, and plays a positive role in helping others achieve the things they dream of and long for.
Cheers, friends. Onward to December!
Emma