Finding My Gratitude

I have to say this upfront. This blog is going to blur the lines between personal and professional. As president of my own business, I’m grateful for the blessings, opportunities, and support I’ve received through the years. But with all the pressures that come with business ownership, from staffing to billing to business development, being grateful for what I’ve been given is sometimes very difficult to muster.

I think perhaps that’s why I’m glad that we selected gratitude as the word of the month for November. When life puts pressure on you, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and gratitude seems like a foreign word. I hate to admit it out loud, but I have lost sight of my gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. I don’t think anyone fully realizes the challenges that business owners face and how hard it is to stay motivated or even inspired. People see us as courageous warriors able to tackle any obstacle that comes our way. We are expected to be mind-readers and problem solvers, never displaying weakness, insecurity, unsureness, or doubt. It’s almost as if we are to have superhuman qualities and downplay our own humanity.

November is a time of gratitude, and after 18 months, I would remiss if I didn’t pause and step outside of my feelings and really look back and relish all I have accomplished. I, along with my company, not only survived but have thrived despite being in the grips of a global pandemic that either ended or forever changed the lives of millions. We grew our team, our client base, community involvement, and partnerships – that is a lot to be grateful for. We learned how to maneuver in a virtual world – something I never imagined possible and stepped out of the box by hiring our first virtual employee. That’s pretty cool stuff.

I started out this blog stating I have lost my gratitude. In all honesty, I don’t think it’s lost. I think it’s just been misplaced. That being said, my plan is to take the remainder of this month to realign my priorities and to celebrate all that I am thankful for. I want you to join me in this effort because there’s strength in numbers, and I can’t do this alone. Take out a crayon and some lined paper and make a list. What are you thankful for? How will you or can you show your gratitude? I’ll go first. Do you know what I’m thankful for? I’m thankful for you. I have been and always will be.

Your turn.