Gratitude and Growth: A Thanksgiving Special on Building Better Developers

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche celebrate gratitude and growth—the cornerstones of personal and professional success. With a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and reflections, they share the joys of the holiday season, lessons learned throughout the year, and what they’re thankful for as developers and individuals.

Embracing Gratitude in Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on life’s blessings, and Rob opened the episode by embracing its quintessential traditions. Rob highlighted the joy in small moments, from indulging in food-filled kitchens and sharing laughs with loved ones to enjoying long, bear-like naps after turkey dinners.

For Michael, gratitude is also found in the hilarity of imperfect holiday moments, like a mischievous family beagle stealing food right off the counter. These anecdotes remind us that even chaos can be a source of joy and connection.

Growth Through Reflection and Community

The conversation shifted to personal growth, with each host sharing three things they were especially grateful for this year.

Rob expressed appreciation for his milestones, including his marriage and the expansion of his family. He also celebrated the success of becoming an empty nester and the growth of the Building Better Developers podcast. The podcast, he noted, is a constant source of inspiration and connection, thanks to the fantastic listener community.

Michael reflected on the growth of his business following a successful relaunch. He credited his family, friends, and clients for their unwavering support and shared his appreciation for the opportunity to give back to the developer community.

This segment underscored how gratitude fuels growth—whether in relationships, professional achievements, or personal fulfillment.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Growth

As the year draws close, both hosts shared what they’re looking forward to during the holiday season.

Rob emphasized the joy of holiday traditions, including advent calendars, Christmas movies, and cozy evenings spent reflecting on the year. He also expressed gratitude for setting himself up to end the year without last-minute work stress, leaving more time to focus on growth and relaxation.

Michael looked ahead to his favorite part of the holidays: decorating his home with Christmas cheer and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether caroling, attending parades, or watching holiday movies, he expressed gratitude for these cherished moments that foster connection and joy.

Celebrating Gratitude and Growth in Everyday Life

Rob and Michael wrapped up the episode by encouraging listeners to embrace gratitude and growth in their own lives. They reminded their audience to cherish the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich their days and to take time to reflect on their personal and professional journeys.

As the hosts noted, finding gratitude in the little things can lead to meaningful growth, whether in one’s career as a developer or in one's personal relationships.

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate your journey of gratitude and growth. From the team at Building Better Developers, happy Thanksgiving!

Stay Connected: Join the Develpreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• Thankful For Friends, Family, Even Co-Workers
• A Week Full of Thanks and Thankfulness
• Being Thankful For Effective Tools
• Technology-based Reasons to be Thankful
• Building Better Habits Videos – With Bonus Content