Giving Thanks for YOU

It seems that no matter what books or articles I’m reading, no matter what podcasts I’m listening to, there is a recurrent theme–it’s gratitude. We’ve heard the phrase before, “attitude of gratitude.” But when was the last time you really put some thought into what that means? I looked it up for a reminder:

The notion that being thankful can make you happier isn’t merely philosophical. There’s real science to back it up. In an article by Derrick Carpenter, he says, “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.”

Given the challenges 2020 has brought our way, we’ve been forced to slow down, hit the pause button. For some, it’s a welcome break, while others have had to learn how to embrace a slower pace. So, with this gift of time, it’s no wonder we’re taking the opportunity to look inward and evaluate how we live our lives, examine what matters most, and remind ourselves to be thankful.

Craving Change

I recently came across a statistic stating that 72% of adults said they want some form of change in their lives when the pandemic and turmoil of 2020 subsides. And 3/4 of them would like one of the changes they’d make to be learning to appreciate what they have. There it is again–that gratitude thing.

That change we’re craving is so much more than painting the walls a new color, sprucing up the patio, or perfecting the art of baking sourdough. I can’t tell you how many of those types of projects I’ve crossed off my list in the last several months, though sourdough wasn’t one of them! And while warm sourdough with melty butter can feel life-changing some days, none of these things imparts the lasting impact that practicing gratitude can.

Giving Thanks

So, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I’m putting more thought into what I’m grateful for this year. And I’m trying to make it a daily practice, not something reserved for the one day a year with a holiday named for it. I thought I’d reach out to some of my colleagues and their kids and ask them what they’re thankful for this year. Here’s what they shared with me:

• I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.  During these very difficult times, they bring calm, support, and joy.  Bob, VP of Marketing
• I am thankful for all the blessings in my life that I cannot even count.  Most of all, I am thankful for my family, our health, and my job. Saima, Application Engineer
• I am thankful for my family and food and my dolls and unicorns and Minnie Mouse! Gabriella, Age 3

  

• Our health, fresh air, the bright surprise of a blue jay in the stark branches of trees, steam rising off warm cups of tea, fuzzy socks, cats that snore when they nap, warm cookies. Christine, Director of Human Resources
• I am thankful for being part of the Zuken family. My colleagues are supportive and always have my back. They are a pleasure to work with. Sabina, Marketing Coordinator
• I’m thankful for my family and friends, our health, and my grandmother’s sweet potato casserole recipe. Dana, Account Manager
• I am thankful that our Zuken family has remained healthy and productive during these difficult times, and grateful to the countless, selfless individuals who have stepped up to help those less fortunate in our communities. Kent, President & CEO
• I am thankful for my family, my friends, and my health, video games, soccer, and Thai Kwon Do. Benjamin, Age 7
• I’m thankful that we got the opportunity for our great-nephew, Canton, to live with us for the past 4 months. Chris, Application Engineer

Thankful for YOU

More than anything, the Zuken team is grateful for YOU, our customers, and our partners. You are what gives us purpose, drives us to create exceptional solutions to help you, and keeps us all working. We appreciate that you’ve trusted us to help you navigate the many changes thrown in your path over the last several months. Whether it was setting up to work from home for the first time, training your teams, or just being a voice on the other end of the line when you got tired of chatting with your cat!

Like it or not, you are each part of this big, beautiful Zuken family. And like most families, we don’t say thank you often enough. So, as we all sit down around the Thanksgiving table–no matter how different that may look this year–know that we give thanks to you, now and throughout the year.