Gratitude: An Essay

Thanksgiving

It’s easy to feel grateful and never actually share it.

Screw that.

I want to share the gratitude I feel for the wonderful people in my life.

So here it is.

This probably doesn't have perfect grammar.

But it’s filled with gratitude. From a slightly sweaty, post-workout, and pre-shower Daniel, thinking about how grateful I am—at 8:48 PM on Friday November 29, 2024.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and my brother-in-law asked me a simple question:

What are 8 things you’re grateful for?

You’d think the first thing that would come to mind would be people.

But instead, I mentioned having all my limbs, trees, and wheels, among other things.

After listing seven and thinking I’d reached eight, I stopped. Then my last thing was my parents. (pretty lame, I know)

I’m sharing this with you because I was driving at the time and honestly caught a bit off guard by the question.

But today, while working out, I had an epiphany. And I simply wanted to share it.

Everything I love about my life is connected to someone I love.

Let me explain.

People Who’ve Shaped My Journey

Today, I was working out at Lifetime. Without Delanee, I wouldn’t have known about Lifetime. Without her, I wouldn’t have met Padi, who has inspired me and seen so much potential in me and my detailing business—potential I couldn’t see for myself.

Because of Lifetime, I met an incredible human being named Adam, who introduced me to Brayden, who’s been a huge help with my newsletter.

If we go back further, I wouldn’t have joined BNI without Michael Pearson, someone I met through Brett Swarts. Brett led a small group where I learned to cultivate accountability and focus on major things instead of minor distractions.

There’s so much I learned from Brett. Both BNI and that small group taught me the power of being in the right environment—where everyone is committed to growth.

Without my dad encouraging me to start my detailing business, I may have never started. Without him reminding me in my lowest moments that setbacks are normal, I might not have kept going. Without my parents encouraging me after some tough failures in college, I might’ve quit many times over.

Early Role Models

Mike Woodward and Mike Interlicchia (spelling?)—my middle school and high school small group leaders—showed me what it means to be a man of God outside my family.

Without Brian Bothwell, Mike Johns and my dad, I wouldn’t be the drummer I am today.

Jenn and so many others in Arbonne believed in me and encouraged me, even though I eventually moved into another industry.

Seth and Hailey, Kian, Jake, Jonathan, and countless other close friends have shaped who I am today.

Without my mom putting me on a path of health from such a young age, I wouldn’t be the person I am now.

Big Influences

Many people planted seeds in me—an identity of health, an identity of possibility. They taught me I could build a business, dream big dreams, and have the courage to chase them.

Keith Kochner’s influence was monumental. From ages 18-24, his trainings were in my ears more than anyone else. I would fall asleep to them. They changed who I was.

Without Erwin McManus, I wouldn’t have gone to Ecuador, where I met incredible friends like Bramo, Kayla, Vivi, Daniel, and so many more. Mosaic Ecuador wouldn’t have been part of my life without him.

Gratitude is a Choice

Here’s why I’m sharing this:

Everything I’m most grateful for is because of people.

And yes, the most pain I’ve experienced has also come from people.

But you have a choice: Will you focus on the pain or the beauty?

Earlier this week, I was stuck on the pain. Today, I’m choosing beauty.

I know I’m making choices—but I’ve also been blessed by a small army of people who have invested in me and shaped who I’m becoming.

There are SO MANY people who’ve influenced me that I couldn’t fit into this note.

This is just a short expression of gratitude that hit me mid-workout.

It’s easy to feel grateful and never actually share it.

Screw that.

I want to share the gratitude I feel for the wonderful people in my life.

So here it is.

Thank you.