I’ve been traveling a lot lately, so last weekend I decided to sit outside and enjoy the warm autumn sun. As I relaxed and listened to the sound of the birds chirping, I was reminded that, very often, the good in our lives is quite simple and usually nearby. It prompted me to take a few moments to reflect and appreciate all the good in my life.
We live in a fast-paced world filled with distractions, so it’s easy for those good things to go unnoticed. I find a simple gratitude practice helps keep me mindful, even when life gets hectic. It’s often as simple as pausing to acknowledge a positive experience or focus on the people I’m grateful for. While practicing gratitude is great, I believe sharing your gratitude is icing on the cake. I love this quote from William Arthur Ward: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
So, I want to take this opportunity to share my gratitude for my CLM family. I’m more than a year into this role, and every day I still feel like I have hit the lottery because I am surrounded by the most amazing people. CLM is such a vibrant community, and I am fortunate to be part of it. Thank you for being a member whether this is your first year or your 15th. You power CLM with your passion and ideas.
I also want to thank our hardworking volunteers who write articles, present at conferences, lead communities, manage chapters, and serve as board members, deans, chancellors, or faculty. CLM could not exist without your dedication and passion. Thank you for all that you do!
Finally, I want to thank the CLM staff. I’m so proud of the work you do to build upon the spirit of CLM and innovate new ways for our community to connect, collaborate, and learn. (Hint: Keep an eye out for more information on the exciting new tools and programs they are working on, coming soon!)
Again, thank you for being a member of our community. You make it a pleasure to come to work each day. Wishing you and your family a memorable Thanksgiving. May it be a beautiful reminder of the most wonderful things in your life.
All the best –
Ronna Ruppelt
CEO
ronna.ruppelt@TheCLM.org
LinkedIn.com/in/ronnaruppelt