From the President: November – The month of giving thanks and being grateful

Pictured above: Kate Keller, The Harvest Foundation President

November.  The month of giving thanks and being grateful.  Research shows that individuals who regularly express gratitude are happier, less depressed, more rested, and with reduced inflammation.  In the workplace, the practice of expressing gratitude strengthens relationships, increases job satisfaction, and increases employee effectiveness.

In a year like 2020, expressing gratitude might not come naturally.  But even with all of the challenges this year, there are so many things to be thankful for.

Here are my top five things I’m most grateful for in 2020:

1. My family.  This may seem like an obvious answer, but when you tell your family that you want to uproot them in the middle of a pandemic, and for my son, in the middle of his high school years, many reactions could have been possible.  My family stepped up and showed their support of me and they are my greatest cheerleaders.  I’m so grateful every day to have them and for my extended family.
2. First responders and essential workers.  We are experiencing a once in lifetime (hopefully!) pandemic that is reaching every corner of the planet and we have people that stepped into the line of fire to get us through it.  There are not enough thanks in the world for the healthcare workforce, grocery store workers, farmers, mail/delivery workers, educators and childcare workers, and the many others that are working in uncertainty to keep us safe.
3. The Harvest Foundation Board of Directors.  Since my first interaction with this group of people, it felt like the perfect fit.  This board is committed and energetic about Harvest’s mission and have made the transition go smoothly.  I’m so grateful to them for their vision, time and their guidance- no leader could be supported any better.
4. My Harvest Foundation Team.  We have all had new bosses, some good and some bad.  Most of you know these amazing people, so it will be no surprise to you that they have welcomed, guided, and supported me over the past several months.  They are a dream team.  I am grateful that each one comes to work every day as their full self, ready and able to get the job done.
5. The MHC Community. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you and I am looking forward to meeting more of you!  Everyone says the greatest thing about MHC is its people and they are correct.