Thanksgiving Message and 40th Birthday Greeting

By Andrew Neitlich | November 22, 2005 | Selling Web Design Services

Well, another year has passed and my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, is here this week. In my opinion, Thanksgiving is absolutely the greatest holiday on the planet. Plus I turn 40 on Friday.

So it is an excellent time once again to give thanks.

This year, let’s keep it simple.

Life has 3 components: what you have, what you do, and who you are. Having, doing, being.

I’m grateful for all three, and hope in your life you are, too.

I have a great family, good health, and lots of good stuff. More stuff than 99% of the people in the world.

I’m doing just about everything I love to do.

And I am happy, satisfied, and generally at peace.

Not much to complain about, and also lots to look forward to: more travels, more great clients, more business ventures, more great times with my children. And thanks to Sitepoint and its readers for your continued support.

Of course, the above list — having, doing, being — is backwards. Most important, as any spiritual path will tell you, is “being.” If you have the right state of mind and of being, doing and having typically follow.

I wish you a great Thanksgiving and sincerely hope that you are grateful for all that you have in your life.

Enjoy!

Written By:

Andrew Neitlich

Andrew's consulting practice focuses on helping professionals and entrepreneurs build successful businesses. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1991. You can get his books, sign up for his free newsletters, and learn more about him at www.fastmarketingresults.com. Andrew also maintains Down to Business: SitePoint's Small Web Business Management blog.

{ 13 comments }

Eric V November 24, 2005 at 11:50 am: Thanks Andrew. On a personal note, your contributions to this blog have had a significant impact on my thinking and way of life. I’m grateful for that!
I agree that the most important aspect to life is your spirituality. Money, clients, and earthly happiness can all be gone in an instant. Remember the true meaning of life and be thankful for that.
Happy Thanksgiving, and continued success!
dekadem November 24, 2005 at 3:31 am: Thanks Andrew, I loved your message. Thank you for inspiring me to do having-doing-being check for myself. Gongrats for your birthday!
(I wonder why we don’t have thanksgiving holiday here in Northern Europe?)
Octal November 23, 2005 at 3:24 pm: Happy Birthday Andrew, may your next 40 yours be as fulfilling as your first!
aneitlich November 23, 2005 at 12:20 pm: linkin99:
Did you miss this passage:
Of course, the above list—having, doing, being— is backwards. Most important, as any spiritual path will tell you, is “being.” If you have the right state of mind and of being, doing and having typically follow.
linkin99 November 23, 2005 at 10:11 am: “What you have, what you do, and who you are?”
I hoe those aren’t in order of priority.
aneitlich November 23, 2005 at 9:29 am: anon,
I have read some Dalai Lama books. Instead of being a negative, cynical, and arrogant sniper on this blog, please advise your version of “the secret to life.” Then perhaps we can have a constructive dialogue and come closer as human beings, which is certainly in the spirit of the Dalai Lama’s teachings.
anon November 23, 2005 at 12:59 am: What you have, what you do, and who you are? How sad.
Sounds like you need to read some Dalai Lama books.
BerislavLopac November 22, 2005 at 4:16 pm: Happy birthday, especially — I’m turning 38 tomorrow.
savagefire November 22, 2005 at 3:49 pm: Thanksgiving was on Oct. 10th, just ask Matt Mickiewicz and Kevin Yank. :-)
beley November 22, 2005 at 2:42 pm: Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday! It’s the big one – at least you are truly thankful for everything you have. It’s amazing how many people are just oblivious to everything they have in life.
You’ve accomplished a lot before your 40th birthday. So, are the retirement plans coming anytime soon?? ;)
Tvienti November 22, 2005 at 1:21 pm: Happy Thanksgiving =) Thanks to Sitepoint, yourself, and other contributors who bring insightful tidbits to us throughout the week.
studio814 November 22, 2005 at 1:16 pm: Well said my friend. Cheers!
MarkB November 22, 2005 at 12:56 pm: Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, of course ;) But I agree with your post! Enjoy your turkey!