When Giving Thanks don’t Forget We are Not Alone!

I woke up this morning with many thoughts in my head. This thanksgiving is clearly going to be a different one.

My first thanksgiving being a Dad my 6^th as vegetarian so I have a lot more to be thankful than previous thanksgivings. I guess before being a Dad it was just another day since I am thankful every day that I have the many blessings that surround me.

We all have struggles of different types. Some of us struggle with finances, our jobs, businesses, health issues, family issues, and so many others.

It is sometimes difficult to separate what is important when you are going through hardship since 2008 it clearly has been a roller coaster ride on my finances and other aspect of my life. Setting up a new business after having my previous employer disappear out of the face of the earth and owe me a good amount of money was no easy decision to make. I guess looking back I am proud of myself of being able to risk going at it alone understanding the consequences it would have. I hardly ever say I am proud of myself but given the lessons life has brought me once I made the decision to go on my own I can say there would be no way my mind would be so focused these days.

I am so Thankful

I am thankful for my immediate family especially my daughter who turns 11 months in a few days. I can’t believe it was a year ago when we where counting the days till her arrival. The many questions I asked myself.

What would she look like?

How will I feel when she is finally born?

Will everything come out ok?

Will my daughter be born a Healthy baby?

Thankfully my biggest worry so far has been a blessing since Daniela is a very energetic and healthy baby.

Being a Dad Makes it very Different

Being a dad has helped me realize that we are in this world with many purposes and Daniela gives me another purpose to fuel me during every day a great one. I have always searched for ways to live better and I can say that although many relate that to having more material things, a better, job or making more money I have taken a different route.

Living better is about loving what you do.

Being a dad has made me realize that although I have not been as busy on the business side I have watched my daughter these past 11 months almost every day. I am not sure how many other parents would love to have that privilege but that to me is what life is about. I am able to accomplish my daily duties such as keeping up multiple blogs like papaheroes.com, veglatino.com, cimapr.net, and raulcolon.net while I still take care of the needs of clients while only being a room away from my daughter. Being there for my daughter means the world to me.

We are not Alone

Many people can interpret this whichever way they wish. I clearly want to let others know that for us to be able to be happy we need a support system. Thankfully I have many people that surround me that motivate me and keep me going.

I get to do multiple things all because great people support me in the following ways.

I have my good friend Rick Lipsett (@ricklipsett) who is always creating content by my side on Papaheroes.com he is also one of my key business partners which help me serve my clients better.  He also cares a lot on what I going on with my personal life and is someone who is an example to follow by doing extraordinary things to help others.

My life partner Lucy (@lucymfel) is one that I admire given the great job she does playing multiple roles from mom, to business partner, to blogger, and many other roles that sometimes that I am sure she is not aware of. If it was not for Lucy I would not be able to get many things done. I am also very thankful that she is a great mom to Daniela. I could have not picked a better life partner to have and raise a daughter with. The passion and approach towards parenting she has is something that amazes me and make me feel at peace every day.

My uncle Irving and Grandmother Lydia which have been a key part of my support system for decades or better said since I was born. They are the extra parents everyone wishes to have. My Uncle has taken the role of dad and my grandmother has taken the role of mom multiple times. Daniela has another grandfather to look up to that is clearly in love with her. There is no better joy for me than seeing my uncle and grandma near my daughter since they shower her with love and care greatly for her.

Ramon Morales our good friend on the west coast is more like another fatherly figure and mentor. He is constantly communicating how we impact his life in a positive way. What I find interesting is that many of those things that we impact his life in we use him as an example. Ramon is a very brilliant and selfless person that I am so happy to have in my life. He is a library of information on many topics and always willing to share and support my efforts. I think that where I drop the ball sometimes is not letting Ramon know how much he inspires me daily. Ramon has taught me the meaning of sticking to it and giving it my best. I have to say Ramon is very optimistic and tackles any obstacles with all he has.

There is also my brother Javier that is not as close physically as I would like but makes me proud of the commitment and work ethic he has. Sometimes I want to change a few things in him but I forget their is a little bit of me in him which helps him with making up his mind and making the best decision for himself and his family just as I do.

Jason for years has been a great friend and selfless individual. The month he spent with us here I was able to relax a bit more and enjoy life even more. He helped me focus in many ways and I can’t wait till better things start coming his way so he can have an awesome year.

Fellow blogger Michael Castro has been part of my support system even though I have not met him in person. This is one of the privileges of being connected online. If someone comes into this blog and comments almost every day it is my friend Michael. He is very committed to his value system but has a great eye for calling out what seems to be wrong. Michael also has a great heart and is always looking on how to help others. I have had the privilege of having someone who is truly genuine support my business and me during this tough year and I really appreciate the many conversations I have with him. I can’t wait till I get to meet him in person to shake his hand and give him a warm hug.

My friend Javier Plaza living in Los Angeles has made a big difference this year. His perseverance in getting where he wants to be is an example to follow. Javier is a guy that seems to be a very tough guy but on the inside he is a great human being. I had the privilege to spend time with him last April and I admire how he is following his dreams but also willing to support those like me those are in the same boat as he is like me. I wish the best for him and Yvonne since they are truly great individuals.

 

Keeping me motivated throughout the year I have to say my good friend Chris Brogan has kept me on my toes when it comes to realize that small business individuals are not alone. He has helped me greatly by keeping me focused and realizing that everyone is struggling to make a better life for them. Chris also opened the doors to two great things a partnership at Human Business Works and meeting two awesome individuals like Rob Hatch and Joe Sorge.

Keeping me motivated throughout the year I have to say my good friend Chris Brogan has kept me on my toes when it comes to realize that small business individuals are not alone. He has helped me greatly by keeping me focused and realizing that everyone is struggling to make a better life for them. Chris also opened the doors to two great things a partnership at Human Business Works and meeting two awesome individuals like Rob Hatch and Joe Sorge.

Joe Sorge has helped me focus throughout the year and I clearly have appreciated the business advice he has given me. Joe Sorge is a very busy individual who is always making time to help others and I have been very privilege that he has helped me greatly in many ways.

Rob Hatch I have known a lot better for the last few months but I feel like I have known him for decades I have many things in common with him but in just a few days of interacting with him closely I was able to absorb a lot of information regarding how I project myself but more importantly on how to be a better dad. I have to say that Rob has a unique way of coaching anyone and helping you keep those lessons fresh in your mind so you can put into action.

Another awesome parent which Lucy and I are very glad to have in our lives and wish we could spend even more time with him is Gabriel Pagan. He has a unique way to send you great information tailored to your needs and interests. He is also a Dad I look up to since he clearly does an awesome job at parenting. But similar to Rob Hatch he is able to share his knowledge in a way that is extremely helpful and practical advice.

My good friend Melvin Rodriguez that I met thanks to our mutual friend Moises. Melvin is another uncle for Daniela he is someone that this last year has gotten closer to our family. I keep in constant contact with Melvin through the Internet where he is constantly supporting my efforts. The few times we get to meet up with him we truly have a great time. I am thankful of friends like Moises that have introduced me to great people like Melvin.

In the morning or throughout the day especially when I need motivation I take a quick look at my friend Robbie Vorhaus twitter feed or Facebook updates. I met Robbie through Chris Brogan at a conference more than a year ago. His practical message of living life to its fullest and accepting change in a positive way has carried me through many difficult days this past year. From the news that my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer to other less important business obstacles I have gone through (I say less important because the health of my family is clearly my biggest priority). I really appreciate that Robbie takes the time to share these great thoughts that motivate me day by day.

I also have a very unique cheerleader. My good friend Margie Clayman someone I want to meet in person and has brought many smiles this past year. She does a great job recognizing what others do. Similar to Ramon I sometimes forget to tell Margie how happy I am that she is part of my life.

Yes there are many others who I wish I could name here. I will definitely make sure that I reach out to them before the year-ends or even better before the month ends.

If there is something I want you to takeaway from this post I clearly want you to understand that Thanksgiving is not about the Turkey.

To all of you that impact my life and I forgot to mention Thank you and stay motivated the year has not ended yet let’s make the best of it.

 Have an awesome day and make the best with the rest of the Holiday Season.

Feel free to watch this very funny by my friend @chrisbrogan.