Thankful Reflections for Continued Business Growth in 2021

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.? I love the tradition, the busy kitchen on a cold fall day, gathering with family, watching football, sharing stories and memories...It’s a day to set aside to reflect, to appreciate, and to give of ourselves.

Thankful for Normalcy

As I look back on 2021, there were a few milestones that stand out. From a personal standpoint, I was lucky to have all three kids continue in-person learning at their respective schools. Having talked to so many of my friends in different parts of the country, it was not very common to have a full in-person learning experience for children.? Having the kids at school allowed my wife and I to lead a more familiar life despite the many restrictions Covid brought about.?

Thankful for Change

Another personal milestone was watching the first female Vice-President be sworn into office. It was a huge moment for our country that brought about what I hope is a much-needed shift in our history that will result in new and better opportunities for women.?

Thankful for Being Shaped by a Remarkable Woman

As I watched the Inauguration, I thought about my grandmother, who passed this year at 102. Her lifetime encompassed many advancements for women and society. She was larger than life - we never thought my grandmother Frenchy would ever leave us. She was like the Energizer Bunny, continuing on with amazing health, right toward the end. She was such a force of nature in our family.? Her longevity and persistence to remain a significant figure in our lives were remarkable. Spending time with her days before she died was extremely special and allowed for proper closure. She lived for 37,253 days on earth - truly amazing.?

Thankful for Growth

Spring, as always, ushered in new beginnings.? It was a fresh new start to the year as business began to really pick up and has continued to grow throughout 2021.? It was incredible to experience an increase in referrals and new business growth - quite a change from the previous year of Covid quarantine!??

Thankful to Connect with Others

I attended my first trade show in two years, which was another big milestone moment.? I had missed industry engagement, gathering with friends and colleagues, exploring opportunities, and discovering newly developed products and innovations.? Being at the Natural Products Expo East trade show gave me confidence that things are finally starting to turn around.? Since then, I’ve engaged more and more with people in person, and it feels almost normal!

Thankful to Reconnect with Myself

In June, my family took a trip of a lifetime to the Galápagos Islands (Check out my blogs if you missed them - The Trip Part 1 and Part 2.)? I was rejuvenated and came back to Rhode Island looking at life and business more positively. Covid has impacted our well-being and outlook on life, but this special trip connected me to nature and reminded me of the reasons why I started Aperture. My visit to the Galápagos reignited my love for what I do. As an avid photographer, I admire the power of connection and I aim to replicate that by building customer relationships and creating a brand with impact. In all things, I look at life through a lens, capturing the beauty in the subject and the details.

Thankful for Patience

In last year’s holiday card, I quoted the great Mahatma Gandhi with the saying, “to lose patience is to lose the battle.” This quote resonated with me many times in 2021: through the presidential election to the successful roll-out of Covid vaccines to my own business ramping back up to a trip of a lifetime that never seemed like it would really happen. I relied on patience big time; so much was beyond my control. I have to say, 2021 has been pretty good!

Thankful for Health and Family

In closing, giving thanks is something we should all do, every single day.? As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m grateful for the good health of my immediate family. It’s been a tough couple of years watching so many people suffer through and pass away from this pandemic, other illnesses, or just old age.??

As I look at my kids and wife each morning, I’m so thankful for seeing them each day. Being healthy is something I cherish and value so much these days. I’m grateful to have such a strong and supportive family network that gives me the confidence to strive to be the best at what I do.?

Thankful for You

I wish you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with warm moments, lasting memories, and rich conversations.