What are YOU grateful for?

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.  –Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve been reading about the new Mr. Rogers biopic, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Did you see the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, last year? It was and remains one of my favorite films. I have a feeling the version starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers will be no different. 

In a recent interview, on mariashriver.com, Hanks discussed his role as Fred Rogers and what he thought we could learn from Mr. Rogers’ example, “We all share the same desires for safety, comfort, the love of our family and the caring for those we love, which means we have much more in common than we are told.” Hanks mused, “Now imagine if you thought that of whoever it is that shares your street or building or town. We would all be members of something much, much larger, better, and more welcoming than being alone: a neighborhood.”

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you’re on social media at all, you’ve begun to see the yearly, “I’m thankful for . . .” posts. And if you’re like a lot of people, sometimes you see one of these posts, and you roll your eyes. Most of us do this once in a while–it’s called cynicism. And we live in a culture and work in an industry that breeds cynicism and distrust. Sometimes it’s just easier to roll our eyes than to open ourselves up to the possibility Mr. Rogers presented his entire life–we’re all part of the same neighborhood.

But it’s good to remember this and to be grateful for it. It’s a perk of the Thanksgiving season. And it turns out that those gratitude or thankfulness posts–well, they’re good for you. In fact, a recent study reported on by Harvard Health Publishing contends that when folks write a few sentences about things they are grateful for each week, they are more optimistic, feel better about their lives, exercise more, and visit the doctor less. 

It can feel a little contrived though, right? We’re not accustomed to concentrating on what we have, but instead to always strive for more–more money, more stuff, more friends, more experiences. In my opinion, one of the main benefits of practicing gratitude is focusing on what I have right now instead of bemoaning what I lack. And practicing gratitude reminds us that there are others in our neighborhood who might not be as fortunate.  

Gratitude offers other benefits as well. Amy Morin, writing for Forbes, lists seven scientifically-proven benefits of gratitude that include: better relationships; improved physical and mental health; increased empathy and reduced aggression; longer, more restful sleep; stress reduction and enhanced mental strength or the ability to adjust to and handle problems. With a list like that–what’s not to like about practicing gratitude?

In that spirit, the folks in the AM Transport neighborhood offered up a few of the things they are grateful for. We hope it will inspire you to respond with some of the things you’re grateful for on our Facebook page. And if you need some incentive–one lucky responder will receive a $25.00 Amazon gift card.

Let’s go! I’ll start. 

Bridgett

I’m grateful for sunshine on cold days and the slate-colored Dark-eyed Juncos that show up every year around this time. I’m grateful for my three grandchildren, their bright smiles, and their never-ending appreciation for popsicles. I’m grateful for a long marriage, healthy parents, a warm house, and a large and loving family. And I’m grateful for community, friends, and an excellent work neighborhood.

Elliot

I’m thankful for friends, family, and gainful employment where I get to do meaningful work. And my sweet wife!

David

Most people in the world do not have an adequate supply of healthy food. I’m blessed to have an almost unlimited supply of healthy food. I can choose what and where I want to eat each day. I’m also grateful to have healthy food for my family.

Hillary

I am thankful for the best family and friends around and thankful to be healthy and happy. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to live in one of my favorite states, Colorado. I love all the outdoor activities (skiing and hiking) and the scenery! The mountains are so beautiful.

Dallas

I’m grateful to be surrounded by people in my personal and private life who push me to be a better person every day with book and podcast recommendations and constant good advice!

Jason

I’m thankful for a healthy family, for opportunities to provide for my family, for brisket, and of course, cold beer.

Justin

I’m grateful for my family, good health, and great friends and co-workers!

Colby

I am thankful for my family, friends, church, job, community, and peanut butter pie!

Michael

I’m grateful for books, good coffee, and family meals with my wife and three girls. I’m grateful for my friends who are interesting, fun, and caring.  I’m grateful to work with a group of people who are kind, funny, hardworking, and inspire me to be better. I’m grateful to still be close to my siblings and parents and for the opportunity to spend time with them regularly.

Joel

I’m thankful for having been blessed with an amazing wife and daughter, and for our wonderful and loving extended family.

John

I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with the residents on the third floor at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital.

Erik

I’m grateful for the freedom to speak my mind and digest the information that truly interests me, and of course, my lovely wife, incredible daughter and the rest of my family and friends.

Laura