A Season of Gratitude

As the leaves turn and a crispness fills the air, we often find ourselves reflecting on all that we are thankful for. Fall is synonymous with expressing thankfulness, and here at ECS, we embrace this spirit with our annual "Grateful Pumpkin." Every November, this beloved tradition graces our office, serving as a visual reminder to jot down our thankful thoughts and share our gratitude with one another.

Just like Charlie Brown’s friend Linus's unwavering faith in the "Great Pumpkin," we have faith in the power of gratitude. However, unlike Linus, we’re focused on being "grateful" rather than "greatful"! Gratitude is a simple, yet profound practice that can impact not only our own well-being but also the lives of those around us. Think of the warmth that washes over you when someone genuinely thanks you, or when a quick text of appreciation lands in your inbox. These moments make us feel noticed, appreciated, and acknowledged for our efforts.

The beauty of gratitude is that it's a two-way street. When we extend gratitude—whether through journaling, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, a kind word to a stranger, or an email to a colleague—it deepens our hearts and connects us to something larger than ourselves. As William Faulkner wisely observed, "Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all."

So, in this wonderful season of thanks, let us take Faulkner's words to heart. Let's actively "produce and discharge" gratitude by taking a moment to express our appreciation to those around us. Who will you thank today?