Gratitude: Nurturing Thankfulness, Embracing Life’s Blessings!
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Every morning, as I wake up, I’m greeted by our four-legged family member. His tail wags at full throttle, expressing joy as if to say, “Thank you.” Thank you for another day in my relatively short life.
?The inspiration I draw from him is profound. His gratitude, displayed so passionately, is priceless. If only human beings could be as grateful as our fabulous furry friends…
?A few months ago, I took the plunge and bid farewell to my long career. Having weathered the most challenging management role during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating tough business challenges while safeguarding the team, I was utterly exhausted yet grateful for those lessons in life and the opportunities we could provide. My last day was emotional, naturally, as I reflected on countless memories.
?As I prepared to leave, a concierge staff member handed me a small parcel—a delivery sent by courier. I examined the name on the package and was surprised. Opening it, I discovered a small glass jar filled with M&Ms. Someone was poking fun at me, I thought. But then I unfolded the accompanying card, and tears welled up in my eyes.
?The sender was one of the trainees I had recruited years ago from a Dutch hotel school. Back then, I was a General Manager in Thailand, overseeing the opening of my first hotel. This young lady, fresh out of hotel school and experiencing Thailand for the first time, brought joy to our team. She flourished in the industry and eventually moved up in the industry. As my career took me to various countries, we lost touch. However, she remained part of my LinkedIn network, and I occasionally glimpsed her professional journey.
?In her handwritten note, she recalled how M&Ms had been my antidote during the intense stress of the hotel’s opening. Apparently, I kept a jar of these colourful treats on my desk, regularly replenished not only for me but for anyone who had the craving. Those memories flooded back—the chaos, the pressure, and the camaraderie.
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?What an amazing way to express her thoughts and gratitude in a simple yet powerful way!
?My personal assistant knew my weakness for those sweet, terrible delights, and the jar was always stocked. The demand was always high.
?The wonderful former intern expressed her gratitude for the mentorship and the shared moments. She acknowledged the impact those M&Ms had—more than mere candy, they symbolized resilience, teamwork, and the bonds forged during challenging times. Her thoughtful gesture reminded me that even small acts of kindness leave lasting impressions.
?As I held that glass jar, I was reminded that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our lives, the threads that weave us together across time and distance.
?Gratitude unlocks a world of abundance and enriches our lives in profound ways.