The Most Meaningful Holiday

This week, let’s focus on life.

I always say: work is a part of life—it’s not separate. What happens in your life inevitably ripples into your work, shaping how you show up each day. (Hopefully all kinds of leaders in organizations always remember this for their people.)

That truth hit home for me recently in a deeply personal way, and I know many of you will relate. At this stage of life, stories like mine are not uncommon.

A few weeks ago, I had to put everything, including this newsletter and my work, on pause to attend to what truly matters: family. As some of you know, I live about 7,000 miles away from my parents.

When I learned both of my parents were hospitalized, I booked the earliest flight I could. I spent three challenging weeks with them in the hospital, watching their health and spirits decline. Thankfully, they’re now in a care facility—separately, and without knowledge of each other. While they’re still with us, they’re not the parents I’ve known my whole life.

It’s been heartbreaking. My mom, frail from complications, sleeps almost constantly. My dad, once strong and vibrant, no longer seems like himself.

Yet, amid the sadness, this time has offered invaluable lessons—lessons I want to share with you during this Thanksgiving week.

What These Weeks Taught Me

• Cherish the Ordinary: We often dismiss our daily routines as mundane, but they’re actually the foundation of a “normal” life. The small, everyday moments—morning calls with your mom, coffee with your spouse, cooking dinner after work, walking your dog—are treasures. I missed them deeply while I was away. This Thanksgiving, let’s be grateful for the “boring” routines that quietly ground us.
• The Wealth of Connection: The texts, calls, and kind words from friends and family became my lifeline. No one could change the situation, but their care uplifted me. I’ve always known the value of relationships, but in tough times, this truth shines brighter: our wealth lies in the love and support of those around us.
• Gratitude in Hardship: Even in our darkest moments, there are blessings to count. My parents are not who they once were, but I’m grateful they’ve lived into their 80s and 90s. Many are not as fortunate. Their hearts still beat, and I still have the privilege of calling them “Mom” and “Dad,” even if they cannot hear me.
• Home Is a Source of Strength: I’ve leaned on my husband, my son, his girlfriend, and even our dog during this time. Just knowing they are well and safe has been a source of immense comfort. Missing them reminded me how lucky I am to have such a steady, loving anchor.
• Family in Decision-Making: I wasn’t alone in facing the hardest decisions of my life. I had my brother and uncles to shoulder the burden. I know not everyone has this kind of support, and I’m deeply grateful for the thoughtful, caring people in my family.
• The Role of Money: Growing up, my dad would say, “Money isn’t important.” While it can’t cure illnesses, it undeniably eases the challenges life throws at us. It provides options, reduces stress, and allows us to care for our loved ones. This experience reminded me to appreciate the financial resources that enabled me to be there for my parents without hesitation. It also reinforced how important it is to love the work I do as I save for my later years.? When you don’t love what you do, work becomes even more challenging in your 50s, 60s, and 70s. Work that lacks joy or meaning can feel like a burden, whereas purposeful, passionate work provides a wellspring of positive energy—even during life’s most difficult moments.

A Time for Reflection

This week, let’s take a moment to shine a light on all we have to be thankful for, even in difficult times. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it softens the edges, helping us see the beauty still present in our lives.

As we gather with loved ones or reflect on our blessings, I encourage you to embrace the life you have—including its “boring” moments. These small, steady acts of living are the ones we’ll miss most when life throws us a curveball.

Happy Thanksgiving! I am also thankful that you are reading this right now.

Also:

I am going to share some gifts as a reflection of my gratitude soon.

Please follow me at LinkedIn (https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/ozlemerol/) and/or at Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happielliatwork/) not to miss them. Just a hint of the gifts that are coming up:

"Career Clarity Day - Ask Me Anything",

"2025 Career Kickstart Webinar" and

"Thanksgiving Career Boost Discount".

With Gratefulness,

Ozlem Brooke Erol