What I’m Grateful For
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -- John F. Kennedy, Jr.
The Power of Gratitude
This past week, I spent so much time being grateful. I was grateful for the time I spent with my mother traipsing around studios and amusement parks in Los Angeles (she's a big fan of SoFi, let her know about your suite). I was grateful for my time with my law school roommate and her family in beautiful Laguna Beach. And I was grateful for the days spent communing, planning, and taking action with my many clients, colleagues, and friends at the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals annual conference. In these very uncertain times, being with family and friends will always fill my cup with gratitude.
I've delivered quite a few of my "How to Talk Across Differences" program these last three weeks, for obvious reasons. My last tip is always saying, "Thank you," at the end of every conversation, no matter how difficult. There's a reason we teach our children to say those words as soon as they can talk.
Gratitude is a simple, profound act for both ourselves and others. It can shift our perspective, boost our mood, and completely transform how we interact with the world around us. Being grateful for what we have in life and work can help us refocus on what is important. When others express their gratitude to us, it improves our emotional and mental well-being. We feel empowered to do better.
What are some ways to practice gratitude at work? When giving feedback, be specific in your gratitude. Acknowledge the final outcome, the effort, creativity, and resilience of overcoming challenges. This shows appreciation for the whole person, not just their work. You can also help implement regular gratitude practices, such as team-wide "thank you" moments or appreciation boards, where employees can express gratitude to one another. These rituals help normalize gratitude and encourage a culture of acknowledgment.
How else can we practice gratitude in our lives? Check out my top three tips for incorporating gratitude into your work and daily life.
1. Attitude of Gratitude
Approach every day with gratitude. Start your day by focusing on all the things you are grateful for, and carry that mindset with you throughout your day.
2. Be Mindful
The more present and aware we are, the more we can notice and appreciate the positive things in life. Try starting by setting a few moments aside to be present.
3. Celebrate the Little Wins
No matter how small or big, we should take the time to celebrate and be grateful for our accomplishments and achievements, as well as those of our colleagues and loved ones.
Gratitude has the power to transform our lives, our relationships, and our feelings of connectedness. This is my hope for all of us. So thank you, thank you, thank you! If it weren't for folks like you, I wouldn't be able to do my work. Today and this week, I celebrate and extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the Inclusion Nation community.
Happy Thanksgiving, all. I am so grateful for you.
Do the work
This week, I commit to praticing gratitude in my daily life and taking the time to educate myself and reflect on the history of Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day.
Spread the Word
If You Want to Keep Going
Ten Actions for Allyship at Work
Everyone says they're well-meaning. But well-meaning is only the start. Good intentions don't change behaviors or systems like real actions taken for change. That is the work of allyship.
What does it mean to be a good ally at work? How can I be an upstander? How can I find a community of support? And how can I ensure people belong here – and thrive? For this Black History Month, join me for an interactive discussion on belonging and allyship at work and how we can each use our roles in our organizations to build inclusive workplaces that last. With a mix of stories, scenarios, and practical rules of the road, let me show you how to find the courage to be workplace allies who move from good intentions to real action.
