To say that the last couple of years has been difficult for many people across our great country, and around the world, is an enormous understatement. And sometimes, it can be quite difficult to focus on the good vs. getting overwhelmed by the bad.
But it has been my experience that these are precisely the times when we need to dig deeper, and truly appreciate all that we have to be thankful for. To put this another way: when everything is going fine, it is easy to be grateful. But when times are tough, being grateful takes effort and character.
Here are just a few of the many things that I am grateful for:
I am Grateful to Our Customers
How can I possibly put into words how grateful I am to our customers? I and my family owe EVERYTHING to our customers — from the roof over our head, to the food on our table, to the education that has launched our children into successful lives and careers of their own. Our business has grown during the pandemic, and a big reason why is our reputation for being 100% customer-focused.
I am Grateful to My Team
I have the honor and privilege to work with some of the BEST and BRIGHTEST professionals in the industry. We encourage and support each other, celebrate team success, and always go the extra mile to help a team member. We truly care about each other!
I am Grateful to My Family
My family is my foundation and my cornerstone. I am so fortunate to have their love and support (now, if they would only laugh at my endless list of “dad jokes” that would be great).
I am Grateful to My Community
Serving the community is in my blood. I am a lifelong Eagle Scout, and live each day by the noble principles that are embodied by Scout Law: always be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
I am Grateful to My Country
Am I happy about the recent direction that our country is taking? No — and I make no apologies for voicing my serious displeasure in a civil manner (and frankly I wish more people who feel as I do would do the same). But despite my criticisms, I know in my heart that we live in the greatest country in the world. And we should all remember that we owe our rights and freedoms to the men and women in our Military, past, and present.
I am Grateful to My Church
I am a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church, and I am proud to acknowledge the role that my faith plays in my life. Some folks start and end their day by checking their email or text messages, or watching TV. Not me. I start each day and end each day the same way: thanking the Lord for all that He has bestowed on me, and for giving me an opportunity to serve.
What are YOU Grateful For?
On this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on all that YOU are grateful for in your personal and professional life. I am sure there is more than you realize.
I would like to close with a quote that I love by Zig Ziglar, who many consider the greatest salesperson and motivational speaker of all time:
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!
Nicky Smith, President
Carolina Digital Phone