A note on gratitude, especially for the small things

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., I’ve been reflecting on what I’m grateful for.?

First and foremost, I feel incredibly lucky to have a warm and supportive family. Not everyone has that, and I truly cherish it. My boys are close to perfect (I’m joking!) But I am grateful for the close relationship we share, even if the random stinky socks left around the house seem suspiciously like an elaborate (but unintentional) plot to test my patience.? I know they wouldn’t invest that much planning time, and I am not sure they have (yet) that level of organizational skills.?

I’m also deeply thankful to work on issues I care about alongside creative and inspiring colleagues. They constantly push my thinking and remind me how powerful teamwork can be. Even in moments of high pressure and stress, we can laugh together, and that makes all the difference.?

Recently, I have renewed appreciation for historians and journalists who put things into perspective. I am?grateful for James Fallows’ Atlantic article,?The End of the Roman Empire Wasn’t That Bad.?Oddly, I find it reassuring. Looking at the long arc of history helps me put today’s social, political, and technological changes into perspective. Big changes bring opportunities—new ways to solve problems and new strategies to improve lives. It’s comforting to think about what might emerge from the shifts happening around us.?

But if I am really honest with myself, I think the thing I am most grateful for on a near daily basis is the fashion trend that allows me to wear white sneakers with just about anything.?I know it's superficial, but it's true. Whether it’s a suit during UN General Assembly week, jeans at the office, or anything in between, they’ve become my go-to. Gone are the days of lugging extra pairs of shoes in my bag or ending the day with sore feet. I’ve sent more than a few silent “thank yous” to the fashion gods for bringing this 80s trend into the professional realm. In my mind, I imagine a Miranda Priestly-esque character from The Devil Wears Prada declaring, “Let us liberate women’s toes!” and making white sneakers a staple. Whoever made this trend happen, they have my gratitude.?

Sometimes, it’s fine to be grateful for the little things in life that make our lives better.?

Thank you for spending time with me here. Wishing you all a wonderful?week with moments of gratitude—big and small—for the good things in your lives and in the world.?