I wanted to write up something this morning going over why I’m taking a little break, reviewing the year I had in the market, and laying out some changes I have coming to this substack and the community discord in a couple weeks.
I'm sorry to hear that time with your dad is coming to a close. I lost my dad to a heart attack when I was 16. Like you, he was my best friend. Having come out the other side of that loss, I've got a few bits of unsolicited advice if you'd like them.
Losing someone that was foundational to your life will bring you into a deep season of grieving. That grief is more than likely going to be very different then anything else you've gone through. The things that carried you through hard times in the past, like faith, self-improvement, focusing on work, meditation, prayer...you name it. Those things are still important to lean on, but you'll come to realize there is no fix this time. There's nothing you can "overcome" with that kind of loss.
That's not to mean there isn't a great life to be had after losing your dad. But it is meant that if you are prone to a personality that might approach your grief as something you will "rise above". You can save yourself years of pain by realizing something very important.
Your grief is a reflection of how deeply you loved someone. You'll want to fill that hole and soften that grief because it's painful. But, for me, grief was the one experience I just had to sit with for a long time. Carrying it with me while it was heavy. But then, as time passed and as I was ready, grief got lighter. I could start moving about in my life again. Almost carving out a new life without someone I loved deeply. Then more time passed and grief was something I didn't so much carry anymore, but was more like a tattoo. Always there, wearing it, but didn't have weight anymore.
In that process, I was never once "in control" of where I was in that grieving. It was more like floating down a river for a season of life. Letting it take me where and when I needed to heal. As we all love to feel in control, the process of surrendering can be difficult.
As always, taking care of yourself. Don't isolate. Be surrounded by loving relationships and continuing to have purpose in life are absolute fundamentals during difficult times. Your dad clearly has left a profound legacy for you and your family. How lucky are we to have had someone to love so much that nothing can replace them? That legacy your dad has built in you will never leave you and only continue to grow within you. You'll continue to see reflections of his gifts to you in the people you care for.
Hey James, my condolences. I can feel with you and I got a deja vu about my own father one year ago. clearly not cool.
One question regarding the link you shared here, it works, but it seems that the option flow of the day is not updating. It always falls back to the 6th Dec. is it just me or is there a bug?
I appreciate what you do and the community that has formed from the value you've created - there are plenty of great ideas and personalities. It says a lot about your character that you would think about possibly disappointing us while you're going through a trying time. I'd say, don't worry about it. Take the time you need.
With the link & database being opened, I know you will not be providing write ups and market updates but was curious if you plan on updating the daily flow chart so we can utilize the data.
Hey man I just seen the update in the Substack. While I’m mainly a lurker in your discord, I just read your Substack and flip through the channels and all the work you have put in building that community. I just want to say thank you for letting us look into your work and share all your thoughts/experience. Enjoy your time with your family your father would be proud of what you built here. Happy Holidays and hopefully this lurker will chat with you guys next year, cheers.
I've been checking into these updates every day half for the option flow, and half to hear about updates with your dad. After such a long and difficult journey, this must be an incredibly heavy time for you and your family. Strength and peace, my friend. Wanted you to know that today Barron's wrote a Bitcoin "risk reversal" strategy article that could be word-for-word from your own a couple weeks ago. Nicely done. https://www.barrons.com/articles/bitcoin-price-trump-options-7982f077
Thanks for everything James and the great work you do. Your database and insights have been a key part of my investment selection process. Going without flow data will be hard for a few weeks but I hope we all come back stronger for what is likely going to be a more challenging year in 2025.
Sorry to hear about your dad and god bless you and your family.
Best wishes to your family. Take all the time off that you need as you have definitely earned it and deserved it. You've done truly great things for the retail investor community these last two and a half years and I have no doubt there will be many more successes to take pride in as we move onto a new chapter.
Late to the post this morning and I'm so sorry to hear/read this update. You've got all the love, support and prayers for my side - and without a doubt - from all those who are reading this. Take all the time off needed and I pray that you and your family find peace during this time through faith, the countless beautiful memories, and knowing that your father will be a forever angel in your lives - and unquestionably proud of the man you are and all you bring to the world and so many lives. Much love James and continuous prayers your way!
James: I am sorry to hear about your dad’s battle with cancer. I can empathize with how difficult it is to care for your parent when they’re in the throes of a disease like that. My heart goes out to you and your family in what must be a difficult time. I am grateful for finding your community on Substack and wishing you better days ahead - thank you.
Really sorry to hear about your Dad. I’ll raise a glass to him over Christmas and you and your family will be in my thoughts at this difficult time. Hope you manage to enjoy some of your time off. Ollie
James,
I'm sorry to hear that time with your dad is coming to a close. I lost my dad to a heart attack when I was 16. Like you, he was my best friend. Having come out the other side of that loss, I've got a few bits of unsolicited advice if you'd like them.
Losing someone that was foundational to your life will bring you into a deep season of grieving. That grief is more than likely going to be very different then anything else you've gone through. The things that carried you through hard times in the past, like faith, self-improvement, focusing on work, meditation, prayer...you name it. Those things are still important to lean on, but you'll come to realize there is no fix this time. There's nothing you can "overcome" with that kind of loss.
That's not to mean there isn't a great life to be had after losing your dad. But it is meant that if you are prone to a personality that might approach your grief as something you will "rise above". You can save yourself years of pain by realizing something very important.
Your grief is a reflection of how deeply you loved someone. You'll want to fill that hole and soften that grief because it's painful. But, for me, grief was the one experience I just had to sit with for a long time. Carrying it with me while it was heavy. But then, as time passed and as I was ready, grief got lighter. I could start moving about in my life again. Almost carving out a new life without someone I loved deeply. Then more time passed and grief was something I didn't so much carry anymore, but was more like a tattoo. Always there, wearing it, but didn't have weight anymore.
In that process, I was never once "in control" of where I was in that grieving. It was more like floating down a river for a season of life. Letting it take me where and when I needed to heal. As we all love to feel in control, the process of surrendering can be difficult.
As always, taking care of yourself. Don't isolate. Be surrounded by loving relationships and continuing to have purpose in life are absolute fundamentals during difficult times. Your dad clearly has left a profound legacy for you and your family. How lucky are we to have had someone to love so much that nothing can replace them? That legacy your dad has built in you will never leave you and only continue to grow within you. You'll continue to see reflections of his gifts to you in the people you care for.
Wish you and your family all the best.
So beautifully spoken.
Hey James, my condolences. I can feel with you and I got a deja vu about my own father one year ago. clearly not cool.
One question regarding the link you shared here, it works, but it seems that the option flow of the day is not updating. It always falls back to the 6th Dec. is it just me or is there a bug?
It should be working but I’m sharing another one today as well
I appreciate what you do and the community that has formed from the value you've created - there are plenty of great ideas and personalities. It says a lot about your character that you would think about possibly disappointing us while you're going through a trying time. I'd say, don't worry about it. Take the time you need.
Hi James-
With the link & database being opened, I know you will not be providing write ups and market updates but was curious if you plan on updating the daily flow chart so we can utilize the data.
Best,
Aaron.
Hey man I just seen the update in the Substack. While I’m mainly a lurker in your discord, I just read your Substack and flip through the channels and all the work you have put in building that community. I just want to say thank you for letting us look into your work and share all your thoughts/experience. Enjoy your time with your family your father would be proud of what you built here. Happy Holidays and hopefully this lurker will chat with you guys next year, cheers.
I've been checking into these updates every day half for the option flow, and half to hear about updates with your dad. After such a long and difficult journey, this must be an incredibly heavy time for you and your family. Strength and peace, my friend. Wanted you to know that today Barron's wrote a Bitcoin "risk reversal" strategy article that could be word-for-word from your own a couple weeks ago. Nicely done. https://www.barrons.com/articles/bitcoin-price-trump-options-7982f077
Thanks for everything James and the great work you do. Your database and insights have been a key part of my investment selection process. Going without flow data will be hard for a few weeks but I hope we all come back stronger for what is likely going to be a more challenging year in 2025.
Sorry to hear about your dad and god bless you and your family.
Cheers,
Aaron.
James,
Take the month off do what you need. Be with your family. Sorry to hear about the finals days. Praying you can eke out extra time.
Best wishes to your family. Take all the time off that you need as you have definitely earned it and deserved it. You've done truly great things for the retail investor community these last two and a half years and I have no doubt there will be many more successes to take pride in as we move onto a new chapter.
Late to the post this morning and I'm so sorry to hear/read this update. You've got all the love, support and prayers for my side - and without a doubt - from all those who are reading this. Take all the time off needed and I pray that you and your family find peace during this time through faith, the countless beautiful memories, and knowing that your father will be a forever angel in your lives - and unquestionably proud of the man you are and all you bring to the world and so many lives. Much love James and continuous prayers your way!
James: I am sorry to hear about your dad’s battle with cancer. I can empathize with how difficult it is to care for your parent when they’re in the throes of a disease like that. My heart goes out to you and your family in what must be a difficult time. I am grateful for finding your community on Substack and wishing you better days ahead - thank you.
So sorry about your dad James. Please take as much time off as you need.
🤝
PLEASE don't feel bad about taking the time off! Give yourself, and your family whatever is needed. We'll be here when you get back! Prayers sent.
Really sorry to hear about your Dad. I’ll raise a glass to him over Christmas and you and your family will be in my thoughts at this difficult time. Hope you manage to enjoy some of your time off. Ollie