Thanks for the hard times

Hey brother!

Scott here, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, I've been doing some deep reflection.

You know what's funny? Sometimes the things we're most grateful for are the things that, in the moment, felt like they were breaking us.

Let me get real with you for a minute...

Seven years ago, I was in an ER with blood pressure of 180/110, looking into my young son's eyes, wondering if I'd get to see him grow up. Talk about a wake-up call.

Today? I'm actually grateful for that moment.

Not for the fear. Not for the pain. But for what it taught me about what really matters. And more importantly, for the people who showed up when I needed them most.

Here's what I've learned about gratitude:

The Hard Times Are Great Teachers

• That health crisis? Taught me about priorities
• The failed martial arts business? Showed me the importance of alignment
• Every career setback? Revealed what I was really meant to do

Our 'Tribe' Is Everything

• My wife Kham Raven , who held me accountable when I needed to exit a failing venture
• My kids, who remind me daily why building a better way matters
• Mentors like Alex Kuhn , Kristian Livolsi , and Tommy Breedlove , who pushed me out of my comfort zone
• Even the relationships that didn't last taught me valuable lessons about boundaries and authentic connection

The Journey Itself Is the Gift

Remember when I shared my "why" is finding a better way? Here's the thing - you can't find a better way without first experiencing what doesn't work. Every stumble, every setback, every "failure" was actually a signpost pointing toward that better way.

Your Turn:

This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to look at your journey differently. Instead of just listing what you're grateful for, try this:

Thank Your Teachers

• What tough experience taught you the most this year?
• Who challenged you to grow?
• Which "failure" pointed you in a better direction?

Thank Your Tribe

• Who stood by you when things got rough?
• Who told you the hard truth you needed to hear?
• Who believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself?

Thank Your Journey

• What "setback" actually set you up for something better?
• Which closed door led to a better open one?
• What struggle made you stronger?

Real talk: It's easy to be grateful when everything's going great. The real power comes from finding gratitude in the struggle. That health crisis? Led me to prioritize what matters. That failed business? Showed me what I'm truly meant to do. Those lost relationships? Taught me how to build better ones.

This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for:

• The wake-up calls that woke me up
• The failures that showed me a better path
• The people who stuck with me through it all
• And most importantly, the chance to help others find their better way

Your Move This Week:

Before you sit down for turkey next week (or whatever you're feasting on!), take a moment to:

1. Write a note to someone who helped you through a tough time
2. Look back at your biggest challenge this year and identify its gift
3. Thank yourself for not giving up

Remember: Sometimes the hardest chapters write the best stories.

Keep soaring,

Scott

P.S. I'm grateful for you too, brother. This community we're building? It's part of that better way we're all finding together. Drop me a line and let me know what unexpected gratitude you're finding in your journey.