A Trader’s Thanksgiving

Many of you know this past year brought several personal challenges at this end,
including the near-death of my spouse and news of a life-altering medical
condition of my ten-year old. If trading has taught me anything over the years,
it’s that one should be thankful for challenges, obstacles and setbacks which
serve to strengthen one’s skin and skill. Along this line and as we approach a
time where this and any business is placed in crystal-clear perspective, here’s
my half-fun, half-serious list of trading aspects for which this trader is
thankful.

12.  CNBC to forever fuel emotional opportunities for the profitable wholesale
trader.

11.  Bogus e-mails from phony “traders” that keep me smiling when I surprise the
heck out of them by offering to follow-up with a phone call.

10.  The other 99.9% of my mail that reinforces that most in this industry are
mature with high ethical standards.

9.  Recurring “I told you so” trading articles and related egos to offset the
loss of Peanuts cartoons.

8.  This public forum where I can talk to myself and we can collectively sharpen
each other.

7.  A market that provides a never-ending stream of challenge and opportunity.

6.  Freedom to participate or not participate in the market at any moment and
for any length of time.

5.  Stops to protect capital and career.

4.  Stupid trading errors to reinforce humility.

3.  Missed opportunities to maintain that lifelong thirst for improvement.

2.  Drawdowns to reinforce the concept of probability.

1.  A Higher Power that gets credit for any trading successes that I don’t
manage to screw up.

May God richly bless you and your families over the coming year.