The year 2020 will surely be remembered for a lingering and destructive pandemic that adjusted our way of living and brought death and a measure of havoc to countless lives. 2020 will also be remembered as a season of growing anxiety and contention brought about by lingering political, economic, and social strife.
And yet, as we approach this Thanksgiving weekend and the larger Holiday season, my heart is filled with gratitude. In a thousand ways my cup is never half-empty, but always filled to overflowing—especially when I open my eyes and look.
Having and expressing gratitude invites a feeling of peace. It can resolve disputes and strengthen friendships and relationships. It will make us better men and women. Shakespeare said, “Oh Lord, that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” (King Henry VI, Part 2, I.i. 19-20.)
I appreciate our colleague Katherine Meese, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, for recently sharing with us her practice of inviting students to write a gratitude journal during the month of November and deeply reflect on the same. I am grateful for the many colleagues in my workplace here in Idaho who decorate their doors with “Post-it” notes expressing gratitude for many simple yet wonderful things. I am grateful for many hundreds of Facebook friends who, during this week of Thanksgiving, are doing very much the same (#givethanks).
I continue to feel much gratitude for my AUPHA colleagues who inspire me to be a better student, teacher, leader, scholar, and friend. I appreciate the many of you who reach out, connect, and share with one another across our AUPHA Network. And I appreciate the many who give so much of their time and talents to develop our AUPHA strategic plan and help us realize our Vision to be recognized as the global leader in advancing higher education and scholarship in healthcare management and policy.
Best wishes to each of you for a happy, safe, and gratitude-filled holiday season!
Tracy