Gratitude: What a Concept!

It’s Sunday afternoon and tomorrow, I’m starting a new job as the head of internal communications at a global technology consulting firm – and couldn’t be more excited.

Am I excited that a job search is over? Sure, but that’s not where my real excitement lives. It’s one thing to put in the leg work, do the research and design unique questions for the hiring team, and ink the deal -- but my real reward happens in reframing the journey and looking at it through a different lens – one of thanks and gratitude. I am most grateful to have found such a terrific opportunity where I know I belong versus somewhere I have to fight to fit in. A place where my contributions will matter and be appreciated. A place to dig in deep with a team united in purpose. Mine is a tall drink of excitement with chaser of true gratitude.

And while this new job is what I’d consider a big deal, being grateful comes in big and small packages. Some are obvious – others not.

A sunny day.

A full night of sleep.

A wrinkled five dollar bill found in the dryer.

An introduction to an eager hiring manager.

A leftover balance on a Dunkin Donuts gift card.

A phone call to a colleague who you haven’t spoken with in a long, long time.

All of these things collect into your ‘gratitude bank.’ Over time, you can spend it or lend it with those around you. For me, I leaned into my amazing network of family, friends, and colleagues. I met new people along the journey who offered me positive energy, ideas, breakfast meetings, cocktails, sushi, and encouragement. So much so, that my gratitude bank now has a high balance and I’m happy to issue loans to anyone in need.

So, to my colleagues still in the search – know that it will be over at some point. And yes, it’s a crappy feeling but hopefully you are grateful for what you do have: a home, family, freedom, safety, happiness, laughter, health, food, clothing, community, and lastly – a network. If there’s any way I can help or reframe the journey – you know how to reach me.

Even for those not in the search – the same still applies. Be grateful. Send good energy out to the universe for those who need it right now. As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I wish for you happiness, peace, humor, and gratitude.

Mark Chesney, MSc Mac Scott Vivian Tsai, CIMA? CPWA? Matt Messinger Leslie Heidenreich Krohn Leslie Harrison Sue Stevens Carol Wrobel Madison Wrobel David Marvin Kevin Meyer Adam Walsh Walter Alvendia Melfa Sarkaria Steve Laurent Matt Silva Tor Constantino, MBA Ella Krivitchenko Cynthia Mahoney White, MBA Aliese Bowers Holly Roloff (she/her) Kristin Hancock Stephanie J Ramos, MS Alexander Fakeri Ken Bunch Chris Puryear Eric Feige Mark Troske Kimberly Troske Melissa Murphy Annie Landt Gwen Spragg Rich Jernstedt Amy Rempala Jim Dorgan Jen Matthews Maricel Quianzon David Levy Kirsten Curley-Keppler Monica Bomani Lisamarie K. Lukas, MS, MBA Jori Lawson Hume Beth Legate Joe Streng Becca Martin Vikki Hansen Whitney McGinnis Julie Schaefer Molly McKenna Jandrain Rachel Larsen Harms Jen B. Anna Gatz Tim Gatz Charlie Guild Liz Valdes Susie Gibson Karen Osher, MSC, PMP Michelle Marquardt Tama McWhinney David Grossman Kim Ayda Durum Walter Alvendia Amy Finsand Julie Carlson Amy Parlette Lisa Evans Susan Heitsch Jim Wisuri Kate Bushnell Steve Crescenzo Cindy Crescenzo Sara Mee Rick Moser Robert O'Keef