Did you know that the simple act of practicing gratitude improves your mental wellness and makes you physically healthier? It’s true! Gratitude does everything from helping you sleep better to staving off depression.
The truth is, a lot of us are struggling right now, and when things get tough, it can be hard to see the positive. But, by making a purposeful effort towards gratitude, we can be better prepared to weather this storm.
To help foster connections and get the gratitude ball rolling, we asked our staff to tell us what they are grateful for in their lives. We were overwhelmed by your heartwarming responses.
“My husband needs a kidney transplant. I am grateful for the people who have been tested to see if they can donate. I am grateful for my oldest son who won’t let us go anywhere and gladly shops for our groceries. I am grateful to have a job that’s allowed me to work from home so I don’t have the stress of not having an income.” – Wendie Vanderwater, AYA Therapist
“I am grateful to YDI and everyone working on the front lines who are putting their own health at risk to help others. I am also grateful for my family’s health and well-being through these difficult times.” – Jimmy Trudo, Lewis & Clark Program Manager
“While our parents were strict, they never pushed their beliefs on us. Whether it was religion, politics, or their own personal views, they just didn’t push it on us. While they were always there for support, they let us navigate life figuring things out for ourselves. This is what I am most thankful for!” – Mike Schmidt, IT/ Systems Technician
“I am grateful for the sense of security I have knowing I work for Youth Dynamics, surrounded by the amazing group of people here in Boulder, especially during these very difficult and uncertain times.” – Stacy Burton, AYA Administrative Support
“I am grateful to work with a team that works to support one another, especially when things get tough!” – Kelsey Adcock, Missoula Area Manager
“I am grateful for my amazing team. We had a crisis come up within the last two weeks, and we all pulled together and supported each other.” – Chloe Meltzer, Bozeman Area Manager
“After some lengthy and deliberate consideration, I find myself currently being grateful for the following:
Smell of fresh brewing coffee
Quiet mornings when no one is awake yet
Online shopping
Cool morning rides on a motorcycle
Having a place to go for work everyday
And the Freedom to enjoy all of life’s additional pleasures.”
– Duane Cordiner, AYA Therapist
I am grateful for everything today. My life is beautiful and the people I have chosen to be my tribe are the best.” – Kelsey Waller, Administrative Specialist
“I’m grateful to have a career that I love and for all the people in my life that support me.” – Katie Gerten, Public Relations Coordinator
“I am grateful for all the resilient and amazing young people I have met through my position at Youth Dynamics!” – Megan Leys, Missoula Care Manager
“I am grateful for easy access to the river running through town after work on 100-degree days.” – Jessica Sowell, Missoula Therapist
“I am grateful for my family, my children, friends, my achievements and all that I have accomplished in life. I am also grateful that I wake up each morning to bring smiles to people’s faces and to be able to send blessings to people who need it. I am grateful for all of my experiences in life and the ability to learn and grow from them.” – Yolanda Pretty Boy, Colstrip Administrative Support
“I am grateful I have so many things to be grateful for! I have an amazing husband, adorable dogs, supportive family and an amazing job with fabulous coworkers here at AYA and across the agency.” – Mandy Haller-Doris, AYA Program Manager
“I am so grateful for my family (pets included, of course) as no matter how stressful of a day I have, I have them to look forward to when I get home. I am grateful for coffee, friends, my coworkers, having an amazing and caring boss, art, and a bright future to look forward to.” – Chloe Marcum, Great Falls Lead Care Manager
“I’m grateful for my health (and my legs particularly to carry me up the mountains). I’m grateful for my dog, Frank who makes it impossible to be in a bad mood for very long. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in Montana and enjoy the beautiful outdoors here.” – Mitch Klatt, Missoula Licensed Addictions Counselor
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