With Gratitude
I am the luckiest person on the planet.
First, God allowed me to be born into a great (great!) family. I still get to text every day with my mom, and eat at least one meal with both parents most weeks. My mom is a mix of Maria Von Trapp, Mary Poppins, Dr. Ruth and Mother Theresa (I admit it, I admire her!). My dad is thoughtful, strategic, and filled with integrity, purpose and consistency. Together, they raised six children (my dad would say the job is not yet done) and gave us all an entrepreneurial spirit that has every one of us – and most of our spouses – running our own business.
Second, my husband and partner of 29 years is my very best friend. Brian acts as my ground wire and sanity check and reminds me that there is so much more to life than the work that pulls at me and the laptop I’m writing on. Over the years, he gave me the gift of three joyful children who have given my life its highest purpose. Together, this family we’ve made reflects the best and worst of me, so I can see it and strive to get better.
Third, I have been allowed to develop this business and attract a team filled with inspirational and passionate leaders. Together, we have earned the trust of many clients and colleagues who allow us the privilege of sharing their daily struggles, helping them find ways to rise to higher levels of leadership and generate solutions to enhance their performance and well-being. Each day, I wake up committed to make a difference and pray for the wisdom to say and do the right thing. At night, I tuck our clients’ challenges under my pillow and pray that God will work his miracles for them – and for me.
Fourth, I was born in this great country, with its breathtaking topography and bounty and its seemingly endless wonders to explore. Our great pride, our ability to pull together when things go wrong, and the daily heroism of our nation’s military, firefighters, police, civil servants, and teachers astound me. Our technology innovations allow me to work anytime, from anywhere and still communicate instantly. Wow.
Lastly, while I am aging, I am still healthy, able to travel (a lot!), run, practice yoga, garden, and keep up with my kids.
As the holiday season begins, and our official thanks-giving kicks off, I am grateful for all of these blessings.
Gratefully,
P.S. I am grateful for you as our blog reader. We are so fortunate to share our thoughts, ideas and blessings with you!
Jen, as usual, you have said it so well. It is so easy in our hectic, and often hassled, life to lose sight of the big picture and the important things in life: a God that loves us, family, friends, and life itself. Much to be thankful for if we only consider for a few minutes. And I am still thankful for your friendship to me some 30 years ago!
God bless you and yours this Season!
Russ -- I am so sorry that I missed this great comment way back in December. I am so grateful for our 30 year friendship, too! Hope you're doing well!