Thankful for you

& our Black Friday Sale starts today!!

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I’ve always loved cooking alongside my parents, while my brothers and sister argue over who is going to wash the dishes. In the Shay household, we definitely make Thanksgiving a weekend affair.

So today I just want to say thanks to you…

Chef Steve always starts it off with a Thanksgiving breakfast, of cream cheese stuffed french toast, bacon, and eggs. We move onto the appetizers, with the buffet of smoked salmon, cheeseball (an amazing combination of cream cheese, chives, and dried beef), and a charcuterie board. This really just rolls into dinner, where we dive into a montage of sweet potato casserole, smoked turkey, cinnamon rolls, and more.

Of course, it doesn’t end there, as we love shopping on Black Friday (now mostly done online, thankfully!) and going to get our Christmas tree. Leo and I absolutely love decorating the house for the holidays, and the end of Thanksgiving is the best time to get started.

Now that these staples, locations, attendees, and circumstances have changed substantially throughout the years, we still enjoy the long weekend to its fullest.

As an avid photographer (and reluctant to admit, social media regular) one of my favorite ways to reflect on all the Thanksgivings of the past has always been through photos.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect to get nostalgic, as I opened up my Facebook account a few days ago, to find one of their typical “See your memories from 7 years ago” post.

Here’s what I saw…

Me and my teaching colleagues, at a lunch prepared for us by the parents while teaching at Escuela Las Nubes in Costa Rica.

It always reminds me of the advice my dad gave me, long ago:

“Never give up on the time it takes to accomplish a dream. The time will pass, anyway.”

Fast forward 7 years later, and I sit here writing to you from Seattle, where I’m lucky enough to visit my family this year. Our four (sibling) puppies get to reunite again as well.

My sister, two brothers, and I with our pups.

More than anything, my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. I’m grateful for the changes throughout the years, the additions at the table — my son, my husband, and my (three) dogs, and changes in our lives. And I’m grateful for what I get to wake up and do every day — trade and teach trading.

7 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams would’ve imagined what I’d be doing now. But I can tell you how grateful I am for each and every one of you that make everything I do worth it. Being able to continue growing as a trade, and a teacher (and knowing that I’m making a difference) means everything to me.

I love getting your emails and comments on the newsletter and on social, and I’m grateful to know what I’m doing has an impact. Without all of you, I wouldn’t have anyone to teach. And for that, I’ll always appreciate everyone here who loves to learn and take this journey along with me. I know it can be rough — believe me!

But what makes it great, is that we’re in it together.

So, thank you so much for all of you, for I’m forever grateful.

I hope you had the most amazing Thanksgiving!

P.S. Make sure you check out the Black Friday sales this weekend. You’ll find a special deal on the Phoenix Finder, along with my Ready, Aim, Freedom, Finding Phoenix class, and more! If you’ve been waiting for a discount – now’s your chance!