The First Thanksgiving

Not America's First, This Substack's First

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day marked by religious observances, bountiful meals, and the recognition of the harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621.

I’d also like to recognize that this is the first Thanksgiving since creating The Daily Draft with Zac Small, and it’s these “firsts” that I’ll reflect on years down the road.

Here is the first “Thanksgiving” piece I ever penned; it was on The Family Alpha; I published it in 2015, one month after starting the blog, which unbeknownst to me then, would become a life-changing event.

Zac Small @ZacSmall_

Happy Thanksgiving I appreciate every one of you who’ve taken the time to Like, Follow, Share, Educate and Laugh with me. It’s been one hell of a year, let’s keep it rolling. If you need anything, DMs are open.

As I sit here drinking coffee with my wife, her planning the times for the food, me writing and soaking in the family, it is clear that there’s plenty to be thankful for in my life and nothing more so than the fact that I’m still here.

I’m still alive; my family is still together under one roof, my dogs and cats are still kicking, and the turtles and chickens are still moving and grooving - life is good.

• Today, alcohol will cause some issues at family gatherings - not mine, as my wife and I are 2 years, 4 months, and 17 days sober.

• Today, some families will have an empty seat at their table - not us, as we are fortunate still to have each other after another year of living.

• Today, some friendships will be destroyed because of a difference of opinion concerning politics, religion, or bullshit that doesn’t really matter - Not us; we don’t play that game.

Living a good life free from stress and worry is an intentional choice, and I’m thankful for those who also choose to live with peace and order over conflict and chaos.

---

Thank You

I’d like to thank everyone who has read, shared, and especially subscribed to this Substack since its launch in August. Your input, support, and spreading of the message is what it’s all about, and if it weren’t for you, I’d be speaking into an electronic abyss, so I want to share a moment of focus on what it is you’re bringing to the table as well.

For you to find my work worth your time, for some, worth your money, it’s not lost on the responsibility I have to provide consistent value in return. Collectively we will change the world by connecting, exchanging notes, and working together to improve ourselves as individuals which, in the grand scheme, improves our family, circle of friends, community, etc.

I will be writing, recording (Podcast dropping tomorrow), and spreading the word about living free, happy, and with a focused intention for years to come. I look forward to each of us looking back on this Thanksgiving and appreciating how far we’ve all grown since 2022.

Enjoy your food, friends, and family today; I will do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving

- Zac Small

PS: I’ve made my Gumroad catalog 50% Off

Fatherhood for Modern Times: ($29->$14.50)

365 to Sobriety: ($31->$15.50)

Go To: https://zsmall.gumroad.com/

Use the code: THANKFUL