Being Thankful in a Thankless Year – Finding Gratitude

If you’re feeling a little less than thankful this Thanksgiving you’re definitely not alone.  It has been quite a year.   And now as we approach what is normally the busiest travel holiday of the year, we’re being asked to reconsider any travel plans at all.  The challenge this year is finding gratitude when despair and peril seems to be the only game in town.

In modern times there has never an event that has impacted so many lives on a global scale.   From a business perspective, we all know the impact this year has had on businesses both large and small, particularly those in the service industries.   Meanwhile, the companies that have been less impacted from a demand standpoint are still facing challenges of maintaining a healthy staff, self-quarantining, supply chain issues, and just the emotional toll of it all.      

It may not be easy this year but there is still so much we can be thankful for.  Your cup of gratitude may not overflow, but don’t let it be empty either.

Here’s some things we’re thankful for hopefully you are too…

Internet access: If you’re reading this article, you are part of only 57% of the people in the world who have access to internet.   Most of us can’t even imagine life without access to the internet, but there is an estimated 3.41 billion people without it.   An occasional freeze frame during a Zoom meeting really isn’t that big of deal.

Zoom, WebEx, MS-Teams, G-Meet and others:   Many of these were around before 2020, Webex was founded 25 years ago!  The reality is most businesses were never forced to use them until March of 2020.  Today, many businesses would not be functioning without them.  Just remember not to stand up if you choose not to wear pants or a skirt to an important meeting.          

“Takeout Tuesday” became an event:  This has become a great way for businesses and individuals to intentionally support restaurants, especially the family owned businesses that don’t have the reserves of the larger publicly traded chains.  It’s been impressive to see some of the creative curbside delivery operations.  And just to clarify, most restaurant owners are also OK with Takeout Wed-Thur-Fri too! Many are offering holiday specials. Please support them if you can.

Election Commercials and Yard signs are Over:  What more is there to say.  Who isn’t happy to see Old Spice, Bounty paper towels, and local Plumber commercials again!

Facetime, Google Duo, WhatsApp:  These are all great options for video calling and have features that make them popular for both business and personal.  They certainly have made it easier for families to stay connected this past year; especially the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.  They help us stay connected when we often feel unconnected. 

The Fall Colors & Weather: The magic of the fall colors and the crisp air that comes with it arrived on cue.  Many parts of the country have enjoyed some of the nicest fall weather in years.  It’s extended the season for outside events and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  If your 2020 office has mostly been working remotely from home, a few minutes outside is a great way to recharge during the day.

If you’re looking for ways to bring your family together this Thanksgiving here’s a link for several FREE Video Calling Options. Plus both Zoom and MS Teams are lifting their free time limits on Thanksgiving Day so you can “virtually” spend the entire day together!  Wherever you are physically, you still can have Thanksgiving dinner together. 

What about you? Is it a thankless or thankful year for you and your business?  For those who have lost employment and/or their businesses you must believe in brighter days ahead, though that’s easier said than done.  We all can find something to be grateful for.  We wish you and your families a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.   As always, we value any comments in the space below.

Chris Steinlage Kansas City Business Coach