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DECEMBER 2021
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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
FEELING AND EXPRESSING GRATITUDE IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING — NOT JUST FOR OTHER PEOPLE, BUT FOR YOURSELF, TOO.
WHY GRATITUDE SHOULD NEVER BE OVERRATED
It isn’t always easy to be in charge. For 18 years, on and off, I’ve struggled with headaches. Minor, severe, weeklong headaches — you name it, I’ve felt it, and finding the source of the pain usually leaves many doctors shrugging their shoulders. At the same time, in the middle of my worst headaches, I often find an unusual peace — and perhaps other readers with health issues can relate to this — from my deep gratitude and humility toward the very special and/or very skilled people in my life. For example, when I told my current doctor about my issues, his response wasn’t like many others. As an expert in his field, he has had patients who experienced headaches every day for the past 30 years. Although the chronic headaches still come and go, when a doctor walks into the room and gives you hope, I feel very indebted and emotional about that as a patient. The reason I’m writing about this topic is because I noticed it was National Thank You Note Day on Dec. 26, and just recently, I drove to my doctor’s office just to tell him thank you. It might’ve been a 2 1/2-hour drive just one way, but it was completely worth it. I knew I needed to look him in the eye when I thanked him, and it seemed to have meant something to him, too.
I wrote about three wise men in my life last month who made a big difference in my life (which, in a way, is rather Christmas-themed just by the headline!). But gratitude toward people is something that I try to hold very close to my heart, wherever I go, no matter what time of year it is.
Feeling and expressing gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving — not just for other people, but for yourself, too. I remember when I was 13 years old, I’d mow our lawn for $20, even though it’d take me two days. It’s true that money had a higher value in my teenage years, but finding a foundation and building up is one of the best feelings anyone can afford themselves. It might sound cheesy, but I was grateful that my dad gave me the chance to do that. We all have to start somewhere, and I felt empowered by starting at home before quickly moving on to mowing our neighbors’ lawns (and many more homes in the years to come). Some of the most positive gifts I’ve ever received are when people show me gratitude, too. I know it’s not always easy to show gratitude, but like most people, knowing that I’ve had a real impact on someone increases my sense of satisfaction and purpose. Don’t underestimate the power of National Thank You Note Day. Your note could mean the world to someone else, especially this holiday season.
As a busy business owner, it’s easy to push myself to the extreme at times, biting off more than I can chew. But when I have my headaches, I can’t help but slow down and realize how valuable my family really is and spend some quality time with them to enjoy their company. I also can’t help but realize just how amazing my team is and how impossible it’d be to get through this fleeting, unpredictable condition without their help.
Robert Burns
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This past year, I read Greg McKeown’s newest acclaimed book, “Effortless,” and even shared the key takeaways that really awed me within this newsletter. His perspective on how to reach “an experience where we are physically rested, emotionally unburdened, and mentally energized” really made a strong impact on me. McKeown’s research and wisdom put into his insights prompted me to give his debut book, “Essentialism” a try, and I wish I’d read it much sooner! In our toughest moments, we always find ourselves wondering what’s most important. With “Essentialism,” McKeown guides readers toward a discipline where, no matter what kind of day it is, you never forget the most essential things you value or are working for.
Many people struggle with finding themselves busy but not productive, or feeling both overworked and underutilized. Especially in our times where Americans are quitting more than ever, you might be tempted to get back to the basics. But we
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could frame our doubts and questions in another light: What are the two or three most essential things you could be doing right now?
“Essentialism” suggests that, after making a daily to-do list,
‘Essentialism’ by Greg McKeown
picking out the single or few most important tasks is, well, essential to your success in the things that will make you happiest and most fulfilled. And I can definitely relate to that. As a business owner, I hardly ever run out of work
HAVE YOU HEARD OF ‘GOLF CARTING’? GAVIN’S GUYS
If you haven’t heard of it, that’s because the sport usually goes by “golf.” But, honestly, the golf cart is so much more fun for me. I don’t know why the marketing has to be all about the ball and the grass, you know? I guess the grassy fields are pretty cool. It isn’t easy to maintain those types of yards — I would know as a landscape expert.
Hey, guys! It’s Gavin, and I’ve gotta tell you about an awesome new sport I’ve discovered. It’s called golf carting.
It’s not just about watering the grass, you know? It’s also about repairing any ball marks after they landed on the grass, repairing holes from pegs into the grass, and smoothing out the sand. There’s a lot of care and consideration that goes into courses. I talk a big game about golf carts, but even they can have a serious impact on the maintenance of a golf course! Anyway, I’ve been having a blast with golf and golf carting, so I joined the local junior league, and I practice about two days a week at the golf course. It’s been a lot of fun to play with other kids! My dad tells me that golfing is a game of honesty and integrity. The more I play, the more I agree with him. Wouldn’t it be so easy to push the ball secretly a little closer to the hole when nobody’s looking? But I’d never do that. Winning just doesn’t feel good when you cheat. And I’d rather feel great when I win! Of course, losing isn’t really that big of a deal, either. So long as you enjoy the people you’re spending time with and the game, there’s not really a big loss. No matter what your winter plans are, I hope you’ll get to have some fun this holiday season, too! See you next time!
Here’s how it works: You go to a big grassy field. You learn how to hit and aim golf balls really well so they fly far in the air and land into a golf hole. Then, you jump into a golf cart and drive to a different field as fast as you can!
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
to do. There’s always another thing, and it can get overwhelming and easy to lose track of time at the office, overworking myself.
“Aaron and I just wanted to send you a pic and let you know how very much we love our yard! Having our teenagers want to hang out here is priceless! In this pic, they’re hosting an outdoor movie and s’mores night for
Instead of putting the world on my shoulders, McKeown’s “discipline of ‘less’” suggests that it’s better to focus on less, not more. There’s no need to always be a “yes” guy. There’s a healthy time and place to say “no” as well, but you’ll only know where and when to say “no” if you have your focus narrowed down. I really think everyone should give “Essentialism” a try. I wish I read it when I was young, although I did somehow end up taking on a similar tactic to my daily to-do list as a business owner. There are so many great points in it that you’ll love,
their friends. Thank you so much for your amazing work and for providing our family with this gift.” With gratitude, – Kelly and Aaron Bert
especially when you need them most on days when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted from work. McKeown’s insights might help make the burden lighter than you think.
Robert Burns
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” –Proverbs 16:3 “He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” –2 Timothy 1:9 “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” –2 Corinthians 12:9 HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS?
EASY OUT
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving
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‘Essentialism’ Book Review Gavin’s Guys: On Golf
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break!
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Meet Your New Favorite Winter Sport
When celebrities jet off to Aspen, Colorado, for their winter vacations, they might not all be going to ski. According to Forbes, Aspen is also a top snowshoeing destination — and that’s a sport that celebrities and ordinary people of all ages can enjoy. Snowshoeing is a simple activity that dates back at least 6,000 years. It involves strapping large flipper-like attachments called snowshoes to your boots. The attachments distribute your weight and let you walk over banks of powder without sinking. You can use them to navigate flat plains, rolling hills, or steep mountains depending on the type of shoe you invest in. MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE WINTER SPORT SNOWSHOEING IS A FUN, EASY OPTION FOR ALL AGES
you would while hiking (depending on your pace and the type of terrain). Athletes who want to really amp up the exercise can even invest in jogging snowshoes! 3. Last but not least, snowshoeing is scenic! When you’re whizzing down a mountain on a snowboard or skis, you don’t have time to take in the view. But on snowshoes, you can soak up all of the winter beauty around you. You can even bring your camera along on your trek to capture pictures of any flora and fauna you see. If you want to try snowshoeing this winter, make sure you start with an easy trail and consult your doctor and/or physical therapist before you go. Always bring along a backpack of emergency supplies like a blanket and first aid kit, too, and consider purchasing or renting hiking poles along with your snowshoes to boost your stability. For more insider tips, visit SnowshoeMag.com.
On top of its unique history, these three major perks to snowshoeing just might make it your favorite winter sport.
1. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Unlike other energy-intensive sports like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is safe and relatively easy for folks of all ages. Some outdoorsmen and women snowshoe into their 70s and beyond, so a snowshoe outing is a great way for grandparents and grandkids to bond while getting some aerobics in.
2. Speaking of aerobics, snowshoeing is also a great workout. When you strap on your snowshoes, you can burn up to 50% more calories than
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