t seems like just a few short weeks ago we were all complaining about the summer weather and here we are – Thanksgiving is upon us. Whether you celebrate with family or friends, I hope you will take a little time for yourself. We think of Thanksgiving as a time filled with food and fellowship as we give thanks. It is also a time to reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives, this includes our careers.

Find a few minutes over the course of the coming days and write down three aspects of your work life you are grateful for. You might be grateful for your boss, your colleagues, a recent promotion, or training you recently received, and if there are no big things to be grateful for, find three small things. Even the small things matter - did you know there are benefits to being grateful? In a 2015 Psychology Today article, Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist highlights “7 proven benefits” of being grateful:

• Opens the door to more relationships
• Improves physical strength
• Improves psychological health
• Enhances empathy and reduces aggression
• Helps people sleep better
• Improves self-esteem
• Increases mental strength

When things go haywire, get hectic, etc. thinking back on your “grateful list,” even if the items are small, can help you get through the chaos and frustration.

So, find a little time this week to be grateful – whether big or small, it does not matter – the act itself, is what truly matters.

From everyone at Goodwin College and Drexel University have a wonderful Thanksgiving – may your table be filled with peace, love, and grace.

Best,