Thanksgiving Gratitude

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude as I reflect on life over the past year. 

This season of life has brought many challenges associated with my aging parents. As I have watched them struggle with their health this year, I’ve been so proud to see my family band together in ways that I would have never imagined. I am so thankful for my family and our collective resiliency. Leaning on one another during these taxing times has strengthened our bond as a family, and as we sit down to carve our turkey on Thursday, we’ll reflect on the challenges that have galvanized us. More importantly, we will look to the future with continued optimism, knowing that we can meet any challenge that comes our way, together.

Those personal struggles have also made me so grateful for the community that surrounds me. I have found that some of my associations developed while caring for my parents have resulted in professional opportunities. You just never know how and when your life and your work will intersect in the most positive ways! Having the opportunity to do work for an organization that has helped my family grows my love for my job even more. 

GBS has also become more involved in community organizations over this past year such as Franklin Rotary Club, and we’ve been so excited about the connections that we’ve made. It’s so refreshing to get back out into the community and learn about the hope that everyone has to make Venango County the best that it can be! Our communities are gearing up for a prosperous 2022, and I’m so excited to make contributions to this area.

I am in continued awe of my team at GBS. My employees are shining stars who bring limitless energy, passion, and creativity to work every single day. I make sure to reflect on the positive impact they make on our organization and community and to tell them how much I appreciate each of their unique talents. Without them, I would be struggling to fit all of the pieces of the puzzle together. They made this year great, and I’m confident will make next year even better!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best when he reflected on being thankful and showing gratitude. He said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” 

While I am grateful for my family, my team, and my community, I can also reflect on the daily bits of life that give me joy—those nuggets of positivity throughout the day that make my smile brighter. Riding my bike in the fresh air, enjoying a childhood recipe, and listening to my grandchildren laugh provide daily reminders of how very fortunate I am. 

My wish for you is that you find these same joys, whether large or small, and cherish them this Thanksgiving and always.

Written by Blog Contributor: Holly Lynn Gibbons