Happy Holiday season familia,
If it weren’t for these CEO notes I’m not even sure I would know what month it is at this point! What I do know is there has never been a better time to stop and count our blessings than today. Pretending as if we are on a gravy train with biscuit wheels is not my intention but taking a step back and recognizing the many simple blessings is in order. Before I share my “first world problems” I have to acknowledge how incredibly blessed I am and how guilty I feel at times knowing the immense pain, loss, depression and desperation so many of our fellow American’s are feeling right now.
If you are reading this you have much to be thankful for. Nearly a quarter million of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives to this virus and we are blessed to still be here making memories. Most of you are also reading this from your smart phones and the fact that you can still afford a smartphone is also a blessing. As an ever growing number of American’s are now dependent on food banks to feed themselves, you have a team of chefs preparing and delivering your perfectly portioned meals directly to your doorstep. As millions of Americans have either been evicted or are soon to be evicted from their homes you most likely woke up in a comfy bed with the AC blasting and enjoyed a nice warm shower (or cold if you’re a nut like me) sometime today. I have NEVER been more thankful for what I’ve got nor have I ever felt such heartache for the countless Americans who have no idea where they are going to sleep tonight or how they are going to get their next meal.
Boy do I miss human contact! My wife is British so bear hugs, handshakes, high fives, fist bumps and an occasional ass slap (those are for the fellas only) were not a part of her upbringing and of no loss to her but they certainly are for me. I cannot wait until this virus has run its course so we can all go back to comfortably enjoying each other’s company once again. While close contact with friends and family have become awfully elusive plenty of good has come from temporarily losing that option. Lately I have found myself choosing to call my friends and family more often rather than the usual text or direct messaging. The fast paced, technology driven wheel we are all running on makes us lose sight of how enjoyable it is to hear each other’s voices rather than deciphering text. My family and I are spread across different parts of the state and country so we added Sunday afternoon Zoom calls to our schedule. Looking back, I wish we had started doing these years ago. If you have a person or two that enjoys your voice and misses your sweet face then you have much to be thankful for.
This should be the most thankful of Thanksgivings any of us have ever had. Take some of the time we all have now and call your mother, father, sister, brother, children, grandparents and/or your besties to tell them you love them. Before you stuff your bellies to the point of intestinal rupture be thankful you didn’t have to wait in line for that meal. Take a moment to appreciate the sun on your face and the sound of the birds serenading you. Be thankful for your seat at the table this year because there are many families with empty chairs that won’t ever be filled again.
Health is Wealth
Adam Friden / CEO
What I’m reading: everything Matt Ridley
What I’m Watching: anything but the news