The Best Gift You Can Give This Season

Photo by Anna Bass.

“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
~ Randy Pausch

This week as we continue to express our thanks for loved ones, friends, and neighbors, I’m also feeling grateful for the many professionals we encounter from day to day who care for us in myriad ways. In our modern world, when we need an expert, most of us ask our networks for recommendations and quickly receive a list of providers to consider. If we’re lucky, we find someone competent, utilize their services, and then move on without giving it too much thought.

I’m always astounded at the variety of jobs others are willing to take on. With several friends who are researching and considering new careers right now, I’m increasingly aware of the wide range of jobs that exist—including many of which I’ve never heard of before.

It’s an interesting exercise to think of the ways we all serve each other in our local communities and the degree to which are interconnected.

We regularly show up for each other, offering services to make our lives easier and better. With some exception, most professionals and trades people are hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy. They go to their offices day after day so they can be available to us when we need appointments. Or they come to our homes in our hour of need, which is all too often after hours or on weekends.

Despite the fact that there are so many jobs we recognize we would not want to do ourselves, it’s easy to take one other for granted in our respective work roles.

In the spirit of mindfulness, I’m trying to pay closer attention to every aspect of my life and to offer more appreciation for the people in it, especially those with whom I have more brief encounters. Most of us are probably not even aware of the number of experts we rely on during the course of the year. It’s impossible to list them all, but this week I made a starter list of the folks I’d like to thank:

Spiritual advisors, who help us make sense of our world and encourage us to be our best selves.

Therapists, who listen to us, offer consolation and sage advice, and nudge us to live authentically.

Healers, who give us comfort, ease our pain, and remind us to take care of ourselves.

Teachers and mentors, who impart wisdom, knowledge, and the joy of learning.

Librarians, who help us further our studies by connecting us to the information we need.

Storytellers, who enrich us by transporting us to other places, allowing us to experience new vistas and unique cultures.

Entertainers, musicians, artists, and designers who bring us joy, inspire us, and make us laugh.

People who care for our world and our environment, especially the animals and plants that sustain us in so many ways.

Builders, who create beautiful places for us to live and work.

Tradespeople, who come when we call for assistance so we can be safe and comfortable in our homes.

Techies, who not only fix our devices, but in doing so, help us stay connected to each other.

Those who serve our country and especially those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.

The best way to show others our appreciation for their important work is to tell them how grateful we are.

That may be the most meaningful gift we can give them this holiday season.

I’m thankful for all the professionals and experts who have offered their unique talents and skills to benefit us and our family this year. Who’s on your list?

Affectionately,

Elaine