As much as we strive to do better, be better, improve, and keep progressing every single day, sometimes we really do need to stop and smell the roses. You know how us OG Millennials are, balance is the cornerstone of how we move.

Today is Thanksgiving Day.

In the spirit of giving thanks, slowing down, and taking inventory, let’s use this moment to not only express what we’re grateful for, but also recognize the things we’re actually getting right.

Yes, the mission is always to improve, that doesn’t ever change. However, a big part of improvement is acknowledging the progress we’ve already made along the way.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Friends who still reply in 3+ year-old group chats.
There’s something special about that familiar, effortless energy.
The older the chat, the better the vibe. Stability in a chaotic world.

2. People who “get it.”
As we grow, we are inevitably going to change, but the ones who don’t guilt-trip us for evolving?
They’re the keepers. They understand the journey we’re on.

3. Streaming music.
Simple but elite. Having your favorite playlist within arm’s reach at all times?
One of the modern luxuries we’ll gladly embrace.

4. Our growth.
We may not be exactly where we want to be, but we’re not where we started.
If you’ve been putting one foot in front of the other, even if it’s not perfect, I’m here to tell you that you’re in a great place.
Progress over perfection. Always.

5. This community.
Every single subscriber matters.
We hope these newsletters support you as much as creating them supports us.
Everything shared here is being learned and lived, in real time.

Truth be told, that’s just five. We could list fifty.

Let’s make gratitude more than a seasonal switch we flip once a year.

On this journey we’re all on — the two steps forward and the one step back, five forward and four back — gratitude has to stay a constant. Consistent. Unwavering.

Chasing success, building ourselves up, trying to create better lives…
It’s hard, it’s demanding, it’s humbling, but it’s also a blessing.

So if you’re reading this right now, take a moment:

Appreciate the journey.
Appreciate the challenges.
Find the silver linings.
Keep pushing.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

— The OG Millennial