Gratitude
Gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a powerful posture for life. It is good for the soul, and something we need to regularly cultivate and express. In a world that often demands our attention with negativity and endless striving, intentionally pausing to acknowledge the good things - and the good people - in our lives can be truly transformative. It allows for genuine joy and positions us to see the beauty all around us, even amidst difficulty.
Recently, I posted on Instagram expressing my deep thanks for four colleagues who have made a significant impact on my work and my perspective. That simple act of public appreciation reinforced for me how necessary it is to vocalize our thanks. It shouldn’t just be an internal thought; it should be an external offering.
When I reflect on the sources of my own gratitude, the list quickly grows long.
First, my deepest thanks goes to my parents for their endless love. Their support has been the unwavering foundation of my life, a constant source of strength and encouragement that has allowed me to pursue my path with confidence.
I am also profoundly grateful for my daughters. They are the most kind-hearted and genuine people I know. Watching them navigate the world with such integrity is a daily inspiration and a reminder of the simple, pure goodness that exists.
In the realm of professional inspiration and community, I must thank Coach Hubert Davis. His leadership is a beacon - thank you for loving UNC and for caring deeply for each of his players as individuals. That kind of devotion and mentorship is rare and deeply appreciated. I hope he feels warm thoughts about his many contributions to the program and players he impacted in his time as coach.
This week also brought a pleasant surprise: thank you to the new friends I made today over Zoom. Connecting with people, even virtually, who share ideas and spark creativity is invigorating. These new connections prove that community can be found in unexpected places.
A huge shout-out is due to Mike Foster. Thank you, Mike, for believing in a fun, spontaneous idea and for helping me get plugged into the meaningful work of the Street School. Opportunities like this, where I can run with a creative concept and contribute to something larger, are what keep the energy flowing.
Finally, my heart is full of gratitude for the network of friends and family that supports my creative endeavors. Thank you to everyone who has read my work, bought my books, provided invaluable reviews, and been so incredibly supportive of this journey. Your belief makes all the difference.
Gratitude is not a passive state; it’s an active practice. We need to schedule time to write those thank you notes that sit on our to-do lists. We need to make the calls to someone and express what they mean to us, rather than just assuming they know.
When we consciously choose a posture of gratitude, we unlock a richer, more meaningful experience of life. It shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, from what is lacking to what is already present. Here’s to making gratitude a daily habit.
Thanks for reading this. May you find time today to express your own gratitude.
Quiet Formation and the Quiet Formation Journal found on Amazon.