What We’re Thankful For in 2025

Another year, another bunch of things that we’re both so thankful for.  Similar to last year, it may surprise some people that what we’re thankful for is not directly associated with money – life is about so much more than dollars & cents.

The Squire

Wow, it’s already approaching the end of 2025!  It’s been another great year for me and a good time to mention some of the things I’m very thankful for. Last year I mentioned being thankful for Family, Scout, Coworkers, and Moments. This year I’ll mention a few more.

• Growing Kids. Yes, they are physically growing, but so much more than that, they’re exploring more interests, interacting with other kids more, and developing more memories. I’m so thankful to be able to spend evenings and weekends and vacation time with them, trying not to take any time for granted. I’m already noticing increased independence in both of them. I’m excited for them and really enjoy watching their journeys as they continue to grow.
• More Control. I’m not the type of person who likes to take charge of every situation, but I do feel a stronger sense of control of the present and future because we are saving and investing and are thinking beyond just paying this month’s bills. My wife and I are trying to create more opportunities to seek out new adventures and experiences that we can afford to do with our kids. More recently, if we want to go do or try something, we’re more likely to try it out, and not let money be as big of a factor. We aren’t just saving up for the future, we’re taking control. I’m very thankful for Scout and others who have inspired us to take this control.
• Excitement for Others. It is so easy to be overly self-centered, especially with growing kids. Yes, I do talk way too much about them. However, I’m also trying to talk with others about their futures and upcoming adventures. There are several people I know who are retiring (at regular retirement ages), and it is fun to hear about their plans as well. Just like I could listen to (and read about) Scout’s experiences post-job non-stop, I’m really looking forward to following my soon to be former coworkers as well.
• My Health. No, I don’t exercise as often as I would like. I don’t eat healthy all the time. However, I’ve been fortunate that for the most part, I’ve been able to stay healthy enough to do most of the things that I want to do, and stay fairly active. I’m very thankful for those around me that inspire me to live a long and healthy life.

Scout

2025 has been another exciting & eventful year that has left me with so many things to be thankful for.  As a reminder or for anyone who missed last year’s Thanksgiving post, I specifically mentioned Family, Friends, & Good Health.  While I’m still very appreciative for each of these, there are a few additional things that I’m grateful for this year which are perhaps more associated with lifestyle design.

• Free Time & Flexibility.  I’m not beholden to a (work) schedule like most other people where large periods of my life each day & each week are dictated by someone else.  This has not only permitted me the autonomy to do things I enjoy such as spending time with my family, but more importantly it has allowed me to be there for others & support them in times of need.  For example, I was recently able to drive my dad to the hospital and spend the entire day with him to focus on his health without worrying about anything else (such as missing work or attending to any other pressing scheduled obligations).
• Space.  Akin to having free time & flexibility, I am grateful for the extra space that I have in my life; space to think, space to make my own choices, space to just live my life.  Aside from the goals & restraints that I put upon myself, for the most part I am not bound to live by anyone else’s restrictions, demands, or expectations.  This freedom has opened up space in my life that has allowed me to focus solely on things that are important to me without a need to worry much about outside distractions.  At this time some of the things I am able to focus on are spending time with my family while also being available to help others.
• Experiences.  Every single experience I go through in my life shapes not only my view of the world, but also who I am as a person.  Whether positive or negative, I welcome these experiences so that I am always changing, adapting, learning, and growing (hopefully all in a beneficial way).  I am thankful to not remain stagnant because that would lead to a pretty boring existence.
• Security.  Throughout my 20-year working career my job was fairly stable, although I worked in the highly cyclical field of aerospace.  Over the years the companies I worked for went through numerous periods of layoffs, but I was always fortunate to never be let go.  Although I honestly never felt too close to the chopping block, I do remember feeling a little nervous & anxious each time.  In just this past year I’ve seen headline after headline of layoff announcements and the ensuing chaos it causes to employees.  While I feel for them & their families, because I’m now retired I am fortunate that I no longer have to go through those times of uncertainty.

Reader Questions

• What are you thankful for?

Leave your answers or comments below – or email us directly at info@epicfinancialjourney.com