The days have been crammed and flying by as I tend to urgent business matters and get my personal life in order before the holidays. Like you I’m sure, I always burn the candle at both ends this time of year, in the hope that I will get it all done and be able to take some time to unplug and relax with my family for a week – or at least a few days, if I’m being realistic!
This end of year has been extra tough as I am also caretaker for my husband who is recovering from a knee replacement surgery – talk about doing it all! But as I run from event to event, wrap up our client work for 2023 and plan for the new year, I am constantly reminding myself to BE PRESENT AND BE GRATEFUL. All December long, it’s so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle and forget to contemplate our path and blessings. That’s a problem. This is meant to be an introspective time, a time to reflect and prepare for a brand new year to come.
Of course, if you’ve hit a particularly rough patch, it can be hard to focus on gratitude. I get it. I’ve been there. But even in dark times, I think it’s important to think about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned and what we hope to change as we move forward. This can give us a needed sense of control – if not control over what’s happening, at least over our actions and reactions.
So, even though the calendar and to-do list are packed, I’ve been forcing myself to sit quietly when I have a minute and reflect on the ups and downs of the past 12 months. Here are some of the things I’m most grateful for this year:
- My health. It has to be at the top of any list I make, because I know how lucky I am to have it! Still working on keeping the stress of entrepreneurship from taking over my health priorities. But just writing this helps it stay top of mind!
- My talented and loyal team. They set the standard for effective PR and quality service, and they live our Mekky Media core values every day. I’m so proud to know and work with them and incredibly thankful for the role they play in helping the agency thrive and grow.
- The clients who trust us and our process. This includes the clients we have today, representing so many diverse industries, as well as all of the clients who have been part of the Mekky Media journey over the years. I’m proud to know we’ve played a role in their growth and success.
- My mom and her health. Anyone who knows me knows that my mom is a huge and important part of my life. Her health scare earlier this fall was terrifying and made me realize even more that every day is precious.
- My kids and their love and tenacity as they strive for their dreams. We sat together on Thanksgiving and shared our biggest hopes for ourselves. I loved hearing how high they are aiming, and I know they’ll do great things and make a difference in the world.
- My husband, a constant source of calm in my crazy world. Sam is my rock and my sounding board and always reassures me that everything will be okay no matter how worried or stressed I become.
- My dog Champ. He reminds me that the pure love of a loyal animal is the best medicine and stress relief of all.
- My mentors, coaches and teachers who continue to serve as a guiding light for me in a difficult business climate and an industry that can be chaotic and challenging.
- My friends who are there for me no matter what to listen, support and – most importantly – share a good laugh.
- And, finally, living in a peaceful place. This is something I think about a lot lately as I watch the painful situation in the Middle East that has shattered our hearts. I pray for a more stable and peaceful world as we move into 2024.
I believe this exercise in gratitude and reflection is essential if we’re going to garner lessons that will carry us forward next year. I encourage you to take some time to think about what you’re most thankful for. And write it down so you can reflect on it when you need it most!
Happy New Year and thank you for being a part of my life.