Kent McCown Group gives thanks for family, friends and more..
Corrie gives thanks…
There are so many things to be thankful for, and while I can sit here and write the standard “I’m thankful for family, friends & a roof over my head” (which I am), I prefer to be real and transparent for a minute. This year I am more and more thankful for the struggles in life. The valleys that I have been through in life have made me the person that I am today. Without the valleys, how do we recognize the mountains anyway?
When I found out that my son had autism, it felt like I had been punched in the gut. It felt like my child had died, yet he was still standing in front of me. In the 15 years that he has been mine, he has taught me that different is okay and that he has the ability to do everything that anyone else can. It may take him longer and he may have to work harder, but he is smart and capable. The battles that he and I faced throughout the years seemed endless. However, looking back, they shaped us and we are better for them today.
This last year, my personal growth has been excruciating and beautiful. I finally realized and was ready to accept that I had become a shell of a person. After years of allowing myself to be manipulated, bullied, intimidated, and abused; I finally found the strength inside to learn, grow and become stronger. I found my voice; my voice to stand up for myself and my voice to set healthy boundaries. I’ve learned that setting boundaries is hard and that people who have abused your kindness in the past get angry when you set those boundaries. This was incredibly hard for me until I grasped the idea that setting a boundary is for my well-being, not to be mean to someone.
We all have struggles and valleys in our lives. They all come in different shapes and sizes. It’s how we choose to deal with those struggles that make the difference. I’ve learned that to heal from our past, we must learn to love ourselves and the person that we are; and we wouldn’t be the person that we are today, without the struggles.
Also, I do want to say (without obligation) that I truly am thankful for my friends, my husband, my family, and my work family. Their support and love have meant the world to me and they have supported me through the darkest periods of my life!
So I encourage you, during this time of Thanksgiving, to learn to accept your past, love who your past has made you, and continue moving forward being the best version of yourself!
Bill gives thanks…
What a beautiful time of year. It causes me to be reflective; a skill that I should practice more often. Like many of us, I am thankful for my family, and I am thankful to truly be thankful for my family.
Christy and I had many goals for raising our children, who are now adults. Our desire for them to form an unbreakable bond was paramount for us. I’m beyond thankful to say that Molly Anne, Katie, and Philip love each other unconditionally. They are continually planning their next trip, visit, or get-together so they can spend time together. We did (and still do) facilitate as many common experiences that would bring them together. They share a strong faith, a lot of traveling, a love of college football, and a host of timeless family traditions.
As they approached college age, we had a strong desire that they have a common college experience. As they were growing up, we thought that would be at another SEC school. But, they all bleed orange and blue and yell, “War Eagle”. Yet, another bond to keep them growing together as loving siblings.
“By the way, having adult children is awesome. Every stage has been better than the one before.”
Bill McCown
Clayton gives thanks…
When asked what I’m thankful for, the first thing that comes to mind is family and friends. Everyone says that, right? Who wouldn’t be thankful for a loving family, and warm-hearted friends? When given more time to ponder the topic, family and friends just begin to scrape the surface, because there is simply so much more to be thankful for. I’m thankful for parents who love me and embarrass me with open arms and a family tree that does the same. I’m thankful for friends who picked me up when I thought I had hit rock bottom. I’m thankful to be a part of a team and brokerage that not only mentors me, but also shows true compassion for their people and revels in the success of others. I’m thankful for a partner that finds time for me even on the busiest of days. I’m thankful for good health, even in these unprecedented times. I’m thankful to be a part of a community that truly supports one another and all that they do. I’m beyond grateful for my mom, who never let me give up even when I can’t see the finish line. So yes, I am thankful for family and friends, but it’s so much more than that.
