Gratitude is lifting our spirits
We all live in such a frenetic world, with competing demands on our time. And this made us wonder: when was the last time you took five minutes to reflect and be thankful?
In honour of ‘World Gratitude Day’ on 21st September we decided that it was a good opportunity to ask some members of Team ICC what they are grateful for. Their responses can’t fail to lift your spirits today. Can you relate to any of these?
Family – I am lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world with my partner and little spaniel, who bring me joy and pleasure and can always sift the wheat from the chaff of my highs and lows.
Friends – Having spent over two decades in the military, I am used to having friends I might not see or hear from one year to the next. I have made a more concerted effort to make sure I contact those who are closest on a more regular basis. It’s funny how I don’t realise how much I miss their company until we reconnect.
Work – I am lucky to work in a field that brings me much enjoyment and allows me to connect with a range of people I wouldn’t usually meet and share part of their journey.
The sunshine today – It can make even the most challenging day feel that little bit lighter and everyone seems to be a little more positive when the sun is shining!
Feedback – When working with such a diverse range of people, I am grateful for all the feedback I receive. Whether it’s about the impact of the work that we do, or what additions, tweaks, and changes could make our work even better and more impactful. As the saying goes – ‘Every day is a school day’.
Flexibility at work – This means I can be there for my family without feeling like I am compromising my work.
Health – Whatever it takes to stay both physically and mentally healthy (ice baths, walking in the mountains, daily dose of Wordle!!) I strive to stay as healthy as I can to live life to the full. As Robin Williams famously quoted in the film Dead Poet’s Society – ‘Carpe Diem’ / ‘Seize the Day’.
My Body – I am always grateful to my body for allowing me to move freely under my own steam, whether that be walks with friends, runs in the countryside or bike rides in the sunshine. Or even a particularly memorable paddle board down the river last week in brilliant September sunshine without a breath of wind in the trees (as pictured!).
Choice – Having lived in Cambodia for a year in the past and seeing the hardships that many Cambodians face daily, I will never take for granted the privilege of having choices and as I get older, I try to make wiser choices than perhaps I did in my younger years!
Gratitude and thankfulness make my heart so happy and calm. There is ALWAYS so much on my list and some of the regulars for me include: I am healthy; I get to choose to work with incredible people; I am blessed with wonderful people in my life, and we support each other. I love the seasons – summer, autumn, winter and spring – but I am at my calmest when the sun is out. What a privilege it is to be able to live life daily amongst the seasons of life, the struggles, the good times and all that goes with them.
There has been a lot of coverage about AI-generated articles over the past few months – what a joy to share personal stories here without an ounce of artificial intelligence included! Happy Wednesday everyone.
Let us know what you would submit for your ‘entry’ to World Gratitude Day.
