Writing for PFI has become a daily part of my life over the past 6 months. In that time, I have seen some ups and downs with the site and have learned a lot from this experience. I can say that I am very glad I started Passive Family Income and look forward to a successful 2009! There are times, however, when writing for a personal finance blog can put so much focus on money and finances, that you can lose touch with more important things in life. The current economic crisis has been hard to swallow for many, but has also opened up a lot of opportunities to write about. Today, instead of writing about stocks, covered calls, or what gifts I am going to buy on Black Friday – I wanted to write about what I am thankful for. Giving that it is Thanksgiving, what better time to write this post.
Here is a list of 10 things in my life that I am thankful for –
- Family – The most important thing in my life without a doubt. I have been married to my wife for 7 great years and have 2 wonderful boys. I am also thankful for my extended family including my parents, the in-laws, my sisters family, my brother-in-law, and all of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My 2 boys are fortunate enough to have known 4 of their great-grandparents which is very extraordinary if you ask me!
- Health – I must say that my family and I have good health. While raising a child with food allergies and asthma (oldest son) has been difficult, we manage and make the best of the situation.
- Job – Yes, I am thankful for my job. One of the goals of creating PFI is to eventually work towards financial freedom and not rely upon my job. However, I have 2 young boys and a wife who are being supported by this job and am thankful that I still have one.
- Economy – This one probably looks a little strange listed here given all that has gone on the last year. I am actually thankful that I have the ability to lose 40% this year in my 401k. While I am not happy that I lost this much, I appreciate that I have the opportunity to be a part of this economy and make my own financial decisions. After all, there are many people in this world who don’t have these opportunities in life.
- Home – I am thankful that I have a safe place to call my home. I recently wrote a post about Helping the Homeless which really put some perspective back into my life. There are many people out there who don’t have a place to call home, which is why I am very thankful that I have one. Unfortunately, with foreclosures on the rise, the number of people without a safe home will only continue to increase.
- Running – I love to run and am thankful that I still can. There are many disabled people in this world who can not walk or run. I use running as a way to relax and clear my mind. This is the time that I think and brainstorm, which is an incredible feeling. It is also a way to exercise and stay healthy, which in the end keeps our medical expenses lower!
- Sight – Often “overlooked” (no play on words here), I am very thankful for my eyesight. All of the recent fall foliage is just incredible and I am thankful I could see it. Just this past weekend, my 2 boys had their Christmas pictures taken for this year, and I was a very proud father. I appreciate that I had the chance to see their smiling faces!
- Friends & Neighbors – While family is very important to me, so our my neighbors, friends, and co-workers. These are the people who you share your thoughts with (at least some). I am very proud to have dependable friends and neighbors that my family can rely on. I also appreciate and respect several of my colleagues at work.
- Detroit Lions – Ok – this one is kind of humorous, but being a Michigan native, I grew up watching the Lions on Thanksgiving. Even though they are the worst team in the NFL, it is tradition to watch them. So this point may better be labeled as “Traditions” because my wife and I value the traditions passed down by our parents and hope to do the same to our children.
- PFI – I am actually thankful for my blog. Kinda funny to say, but creating this blog has stimulated many ideas that I have had in my head for a long time. I always had a passion in becoming an entrepreneur, and I believe this site will help me get there!
What are you thankful for?
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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I am thankful for a LOT of things…but sight struck me as one. I used to have really bad eyes and wore glasses since I was 10. I got LASIK and now have perfect vision.
I am thankful for sight…because I remember how difficult it was for me to be so dependent on glasses AND contacts all the time. I had my surgery almost a year ago but every day I wake up and I am amazed that I can see grass…and leaves and clouds.
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