Gratitude Means More Than Usual This Year

This year has forced businesses, people, and communities to innovate and channel more for their survival. From a global pandemic to social unrest and public cries for justice, we have all been pushed to the brink in unique ways that none of us anticipated just a mere 12 months ago.

While last year most were probably celebrating Thanksgiving without fear for the health and livelihoods of their loved ones, this Thanksgiving does seem to have a unique, dare we say special, significance. Due to the rollercoaster of this year, it has been especially powerful to reflect on those things for which we are grateful. Weirdly enough, it feels like gratitude means a little more than usual this year providing a potential silver-lining and guiding light as we power forward through the coming months and beyond.

Below are quick reflections each member of our small team has put together to share. Thank you for taking the time to read; it would mean the world to hear your reflection should you feel obliged to share.

Startup Adventures and Family Reconnection

"This year, despite all the uncertainty and disruption we have all experienced, so many positive things occurred as well. In my personal life, I was able to spend time with my son who was home for several months because he couldn’t attend his classes at the University of Michigan due to Covid-19. I was privileged to get to know my significant other quicker and with more depth than I otherwise would have in a budding relationship. I was able to spend time with my other son and his girlfriend as they filled in the gaps in their social life with the peace and isolation of our backyard. 

Professionally, I was excited to see the agility of my team as we pivoted from one use case of our technology to others that more closely aligned with the priorities of remote communication and learning. Seeing an election, which I hope will be more focused on the benefits of Diversity & Inclusion, boosted my spirit. So, all and all, I’d say I’m beyond fortunate. I’ll continue to try to be supportive of those who are sick or anxious and pray for all of our safety during this holiday season and the coming months and years hoping that the learning we have experienced in tackling this year’s challenges serves us in good stead as we prepare for the future."

Article – Happiness, Inclusion, and Belonging: Read here.

Ebook – A Guide to Courageous Conversations: Download here. 

Work-life Balance with a New Job and a Young Child

“This year I am incredibly thankful for the health of my family and the true quality time with loved ones, specifically my little girl. She has grown up so much this year, and being able to spend countless more hours with her during this time has been absolutely priceless. Although this year has been incredibly challenging, I am thankful for the perspective it has given. From a work perspective, I am thankful for the great team and the opportunity to make a difference internally within the organization as well as with our customers. Meeting with key executives and others from the comfort of our homes has brought a new vantage point that we are all human and all in this together.

Lastly, I have learned that focusing on health and exercise during difficult times is critical to staying as clear-minded as you can to tackle the most difficult challenges. I am not going to lie; I will not be sad to see 2020 end but am thankful for the perspective and opportunity it has provided in its own way moving forward. ”

Family, Stability, and Health

“For many of us, including me, this year felt like we were existing in an extended state of limbo. That stasis of uncertainty served to refocus my attention on the small things for which I could be grateful rather than the bigger things I couldn’t control. Family. Stability. Health. My appreciation for health has increased greatly after a 3-week bout with a mild case of COVID despite many precautions I took.

My increased focus on the little things I appreciate has clarified the value of a year that forced me into closer proximity with the people I love most and create opportunities for discussing the topics I care about most. I’m sure most of us won’t be sad to soon see the tornado of 2020 through the rear-view mirror, but we will be entering 2021 with more strength and wisdom for having weathered the storm. For that I’m grateful.”

Family Time as a Soon to be Empty-Nester

“Wow. What a year 2020 has been. Despite all its challenges, there have been positives. As a parent of high school kids, you realize that time together is finite. Though 2020 has certainly been a challenge, I have been able to see a great deal more of my kids given the work-from-home environment combined with the virtual learning environment. Sure, things are a challenge when there are four or five video calls going at once, but those are mild in the big scheme of things, considering the sacrifices of those fighting COVID on the front-lines and those who have experienced job losses and other challenges. 

With less air travel required for work, it seems many people I talk to are thankful for the greater productivity and less time away from home. Overall, I think this year has allowed me to slow down, reflect, and think about what is really important to me – and to have gratitude for the things that really matter. I am thankful for my own physical and mental health as well as those around me, and I try to think more about what I can do to help others in need. This time of reflection has prompted me to pick up the phone, or set up a Zoom, to reconnect with old friends or colleagues. This year has been a great year to remind me of how important it is to look at the glass as half full.”

Evaluating What Matters Most

“It feels like 10 years ago that we were thinking the death of Kobe Bryant would be the craziest thing to happen this year. The events of this year have truly helped me appreciate how life is finite, and the importance of finding purpose. These newfound guiding principles have helped me channel more out of myself and out of every day I am lucky enough to still have my job and good health.

In a year that started with scavenging for toilet paper and canned beans, I am both grateful and amazed by how much stronger the important relationships in my life are today compared to before the various crises of 2020. Despite so much negativity in the world, the challenges of this year have weirdly helped me become kinder and prioritize the things that actually matter, and for this, I am infinitely grateful.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to all those who continue to risk their own safety to keep our communities afloat while also working their asses off to keep food on their own table. I also want to express my condolences to the millions who will be celebrating Thanksgiving with one less family member. Wishing you all a happy holiday filled with positivity and good health.”

Grateful for Community

“This year has had its ups and downs. Even through the pandemic, civil unrest, and an uncertain future, people have been resilient and have held on to the hope of a better future. I am grateful for all the folks out there in the streets, on the frontline, and in our communities taking risks and fighting to make sure we all get through the year. I am also grateful for my friends and family for providing support through the year and helping me focus on the important things in life and finally, for my RevWork team for the energy and motivation for keeping us on track for an awesome 2021. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season.”

Making Positive Habit Changes

“It has been a year of changes for me in my personal and professional life. I was able to find a new career in the software related industry which is a goal I sought out for a long time. Because I no longer have to commute, I have more time with my kids, and I eat dinner at a reasonable time. This has all been great for my mental health and my work productivity. Due to Covid-19, I have been saving money in places I normally wouldn’t which allowed me to pay off all my student loans two years earlier than my scheduled payment plan.

One of my biggest challenges has been adjusting to the 'new normal' with my kids because we were not able to do a lot of the things we usually do. We go stir crazy sometimes just because we are all cooped up more than normal, but I am thankful we have been relatively healthy.

As a final thought, this year has taught me several lessons and to take notice of things I most likely wouldn’t have noticed prior to these personal and career changes."

From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest and healthiest Thanksgiving. There are surely more difficult months ahead, but we remain grateful for the continued sense of optimism knowing what we can (and will) achieve together in the future. 

Article – Happiness, Inclusion, and Belonging: Read here.

Ebook – A Guide to Courageous Conversations: Download here.