Gratitude for Workers in My Life Today

One of my daily morning rituals is to think of 3 things I’m grateful for. Waking up is always Number One.  Coffee and hot water come next.  As do the people in my life – partner, family, colleagues, and friends.

Today, I thought about the workers I encountered over the past couple of days and was surprised to see how many there were.

• A cashier at the grocery store
• A young man who bagged my groceries (shout out to my local Stop and Shop that regularly hires physically and mentally disabled people)
• The pharmacist who filled a prescription
• The cashier who rang it up
• My mailman (yes, a man)
• A local post office worker who helped me send a package by priority mail
• A gas station attendant
• A bank teller
• 4 different workers at my mom’s nursing home (receptionist, housekeeper, nurse, nursing aide)
• The person answering my call about a bill
• A Lyft driver who took me to a doctor’s appointment – and chatted with me all along the way.
• My working sister and nieces who kept me totally informed and entertained with daily texts

And that list grows even longer when I include the workers I didn’t meet personally, but who have an impact on my life every day.  For example:

• The utility workers who keep my lights on, appliances running, and my home warm or cool
• The agricultural workers who produce and process the food I eat
• The wastewater treatment plant workers who process the food I digest
• The print and media reporters who provide the news (grim as it is) and keep me informed
• The leaders and writers of newsletters and blog sites that fill my inbox
• The leaders, writers, and workers at the independent and non-profit organizations who advocate for issues I care deeply about
• The workers and forecasters at the National Weather Service – until Trump decides we no longer need weather forecasters or anyone else who works at NOAA.
• The transportation workers who drive the buses, the subway, and are the lifeblood of ride-sharing companies
• The workers who will fill the potholes on our streets

 The Importance of Gratitude

This blog is not about me.  It’s about the workers who provide us with the goods and services we use and need on a daily basis.  They are always there for us, backstopping our lives even when we don’t know and often don’t appreciate it.

And it’s also about the importance and value of gratitude. Gratitude is powerful and transformational. It can improve our mental health by promoting a positive outlook and attitude. It can strengthen relationships; everyone likes to be acknowledged. It encourages kindness and mutual respect. It helps us savor even small joys. Gratitude help shifts our focus from worries and competition to contentment. And it also has health benefits.  (here, here, here, here)

Donald Trump and Elon Musk, take note.

Bottom line

Let’s notice the workers in our lives.  A thank you and a smile go a long way.   It can make our day, as well as our own.