I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season! As the month of December and the 2020 year come to an end, so does December's Attitude of Gratitude. I hope the month's posts have inspired, grounded and left you feeling...grateful. 

As the New Year draws closer, it's a natural time to reflect on the year that's passed - to revel in our successes and pause to absorb the quieter lessons whispering to us from the year's challenges. Remember, this isn't a competition! There may be folks who have a list of things for which they're proud of accomplishing but the truth is, making it through 2020 is an accomplishment in and of itself. Stand proudly knowing that you made it thus far and bonus points if through all of the adversity 2020 threw your way, you managed to achieve your goals. If you haven't already, give yourself a high five, pat on the back, and applause! (If you've already celebrated - good job! Don't be shy, the happy dance never gets old!)

For me, this year has had moments of highs and smooth sailing but, likely similar to many of you, moments where my only focus was on adjusting the sails as I prayed for calmer days. Serendipitously, these words appeared when I needed it most: 

"I rise
I rise
I rise."

Thank you to the late and forever great, Maya Angelou.

My Attitude of Gratitude is my never ending light of hope and resilience through the stormy waters. Here are five science backed (and The Live Fiercely Coach approved!) strategies to build your resilience. It's practical and totally doable. 

What’s your Attitude of Gratitude?

Take a moment to write it down. I'd love to hear it - share it with me!

​If there was ever a year, a reason and a season, this is it.
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The new year will offer us plenty of opportunity to refocus, realign, pivot and pursue our goals. If you haven't already, start thinking about the leader and person you wish to be. Let 2021 be the year you start making tracks! I'll be right beside you supporting your journey along the way. 

I wish I was Oprah. I know. That came from nowhere, didn't it? Hear me out. This has been an INCREDIBLE year! Who would have predicted (aside from Bill Gates) that we'd be in the midst of a pandemic? I have more reflective work to do but when I think about all that we as individuals and a society have endured, I am humbled to silence. Yet, at the same time, I want to be able to yell out Oprah's famous line, "You get a car!" because we all need a little bit of sunshine in our lives right now.
There are several words to describe this year - exhausting, surreal and my personal favourite - relentless - come to mind. Complementary to that are words to describe the fact that we've made it this far - resilient, unbreakable and strong. 

​There is light at the end of the long tunnel.
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My Attitude of Gratitude is to the geniuses who developed COVID-19 vaccines. The long term efficacy is years to being determined but we're desperate nations looking to get out of a bad situation. I could name the companies, but it's really the people within the pharmaceutical companies that I'm most grateful for. The people who aced their science classes that were gracious enough to tutor me. My gratitude is to them. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

What’s your Attitude of Gratitude?

Take a moment to write it down. I'd love to hear it - share it with me!

​If there was ever a year, a reason and a season, this is it.

Welcome, December 15th! I have a new energy within me. It could be the upcoming time away from the office, the holiday season, or my longest ever workout streak (hello, Athlete!) but I feel it!

I had the pleasure of connecting with a treasured soul today. I have a group that I call my Championship Circle or Network of Champions. Yeah. She's part of that crew. There's no pretending with us, no ego, just mutual love and respect. 

My Attitude of Gratitude today is for the blessing of having the people I have in my Championship Circle. I am who I am today because of them. They've been real, honest, and a soft place to land when I needed it. 

As I've mentioned to you and most recently encouraged a client working in a rare senior level role to do, build a Network of Champions! As you think of the leader you wish to become, think of the network you need to surround yourself with to support your development to leading and living life fiercely. Most importantly, build it!

Did you know that a gratitude practice has been shown to provide positive emotions, better sleep, compassion and kindness, and stronger immune systems? The effects impact how you show up as a leader to your teams and your colleagues.

What’s your Attitude of Gratitude?
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Take a moment to write it down. I'd love to hear it - share it with me!
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If there was ever a year, a reason and a season, this is it.

It's been a tough week.

I never thought that after writing last week's post about being grateful for life and the life of my parents that the content of this week's post would link back to them.

I also didn't think that when I had the idea to write a month of Attitude of Gratitude posts that I would be writing on something so emotional and raw. You've likely come to know though, that keeping my communication and connection with you authentic is in my DNA.

Here's the short of the story - One of my parents were taken by ambulance to emergency - not once, but twice in four days. This isn't the first time they've been to the hospital but every time something happens it causes my.heart.to.stop even just for a moment. It's hard not being in the same city, seeing things unfold with my own eyes and ears, and being the extra in-person support I know my folks would love and appreciate from me.

My Attitude of Gratitude today is that even though the team members at the hospital have been pushing through the worst work demands for the past nine months during the pandemic from an emotional, physical, and mental aspect, they still had the energy and the desire to show up and show love to my parent when they were sick, scared, and at their mercy. Thank you healthcare teams for continually rising to the challenge with every patient you treat. I will be forever grateful for you.

Remember! Gratitude has been shown to provide positive emotions, better sleep, compassion and kindness, and stronger immune systems! Naturally, the effects of a gratitude practice impact how you show up as a leader to your teams and your colleagues.

What’s your Attitude of Gratitude? Take a moment to write it down.

​If there was ever a year, a reason and a season, this is it.

Is it just me or does now feel like the perfect time to ramp up appreciation for all of the small and large things in life? Join me in what I’m calling an Attitude of Gratitude! Throughout the month of December, I’m focusing on all of the people, kind gestures, and things for which I am grateful. I invite you to join me.

​Did you know that a practice of gratitude has been shown to provide positive emotions, better sleep, compassion and kindness, and stronger immune systems? These are benefits we could all use!