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“What a roller coaster year it’s been.” 

“Bill, you’re on mute. Bill… Bill… you’re on mute… we can’t hear you”

“And there’s my child in the background in her underwear… sorry team.”

We’ve all been there by now and heard or said phrases like the above. This is not easy. Sorry, I’ll rephrase… this sucks! 

I will choose to look at the glass half-full in this blog though. I mean, this is the first edition of a weekly blog I will be writing which will cover everything from mental health, behind-the-scenes of my start-up DadSourcing, life as a Dad, and much more. 

I’m looking forward to writing on a regular basis again. For years, I have been blogging 2-3 times a week, however, recently stopped to dedicate more time to DadSourcing. 

I’m also excited to spark conversation and open to you all about topics I am passionate about and I think you will (hopefully) find them interesting as well. 

So, where do we start? 

Let’s not dwell too much about 2020 because, let’s face it, we’re tired of hearing about it. Plus, we’ve already shared our thoughts about why you should put the year behind you and be optimistic for 2021.  

Instead, I want to focus today on gratitude. 

I have it on my list of 2021 goals to practice gratitude daily. It sounds simple, but so does losing the 15 lbs I put on during quarantine – you still need a plan. 

I have trouble falling asleep most nights, so I have been working on incorporating moments of reflection when I lie down. “What am I grateful for?” is usually how I start and it’s not difficult to sense immediate calmness and joy in my brain and body because I have so much to be grateful for: 

* I have an amazing and supportive wife
* My daughters, Carmen and Leighton are messy but perfect
* We have a great network of friends and family
* We have our health 

… and the list goes on to cover off being grateful for having the skillset and drive to go off on my own and start my own business, the self-awareness and connection to my emotions to seek help for my anxiety, etc. 

What are you grateful for? Do you practice gratitude now or is it something you’re planning on incorporating into your routine? 

 Not convinced it’s important. That’s fine, I won’t force you but I will leave you with a list from Forbes of the 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round: 

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. 
2. Gratitude improves physical health.
3. Gratitude improves psychological health.
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
5. Grateful people sleep better.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem. 
7. Gratitude increases mental strength. 

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Ok, I think I’ve done my part as a gratitude pusher over here. 

I’m excited to continue to work these healthy habits into my routine like practicing gratitude, meditation, and giving back. 

I would love to hear from you below if you have any comments or feedback. 

Until then, stay safe and enjoy the start of 2021!