We Are Truly Blessed!
Karen and Jay celebrate the power of gratitude and the positive impact that it plays in our daily lives.
Inevitably, life gives us struggles and challenges to overcome. Deals with us in ways that seem unfair. Sometimes, even major blows that we are not prepared for and feel ill equipped to handle. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we have an opportunity to take a deep breath – take a step back - and feel gratitude. To recognize the blessings all around us – to see the enormous positives in our lives and resolve to move forward with a renewed sense of gratitude.
The truth is that the world is a positive, beautiful place – where gratitude is everywhere. And the consciousness of gratitude allows us to communicate – and feel a warmth and a positivity. All is possible and we are moving in a positive direction. It’s with energy that we do this. We do not fear conflict. In fact, we advance through taking action. We act. We learn. We get positive feedback. We course correct and we move forward. There is no such thing as a problem that cannot be solved. There is always a way. And we are moving forward – through those ways, learning those ways.
Gratitude is indeed all around us, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From the simplest moments, like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning to the laughter shared with friends and family, there are countless reasons to feel thankful. Nature offers its own reminders, whether it's the beauty of a sunset, the soothing sound of rain, or the vibrant colors of flowers in bloom. By cultivating an awareness of these blessings, we can transform our perspectives and recognize that appreciation exists in even the most ordinary of experiences.
In times of distress, the act of counting our blessings can serve as a powerful antidote to negativity. When we consciously focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we shift our mindset and begin to see the plethora of gifts life has to offer. This practice is especially important during challenging moments, as it allows us to ground ourselves and find solace amidst turmoil. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by hardship, acknowledging our blessings can illuminate the strength and support that surrounds us, fostering resilience during difficult times.
Despite living in a world filled with gifts, it's all too easy to take our blessings for granted. We often rush through life, overlooking the small yet impactful aspects that contribute to our happiness. By developing a sense of mindfulness and intentionality, we can train ourselves to appreciate the everyday wonders that often go unnoticed. This can be as simple as expressing thanks to a colleague for their help, taking a moment to admire a beautiful view, or writing down a few things we are grateful for at the end of each day. These actions can deepen our connections to ourselves and others, grounding us in gratitude.
When we embody a sense of gratitude, it not only enriches our individual lives but also enhances our interactions with others. A grateful mindset fosters empathy, understanding, and kindness, which can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.
By sharing our thankfulness and appreciation with those around us, we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same. In this way, living with gratitude becomes a transformative practice, elevating our well-being while nurturing the bonds we share with those in our lives. Ultimately, embracing gratitude allows us to live more fulfilling, connected, and harmonious lives. I urge you to take a breath, feel a sense of gratitude and embrace all the greatness that life has to offer!
All Souls Day: A Day of Gratitude and Remembrance
All Souls Day, observed on November 2nd each year, holds profound significance for many faith communities and cultures worldwide. This day serves as a moment of pause to remember, honor, and pray for the souls of those who have passed on. Stemming from Christian tradition, it follows All Saints Day on November 1st, and it is a day dedicated specifically to those not canonized as saints. The observance emphasizes gratitude for the lives of loved ones who shaped our journeys and built legacies that continue to touch those left behind. For families and communities, All Souls Day provides a meaningful opportunity to express collective appreciation for ancestors and friends, and it underscores the belief in a lasting connection beyond physical presence.
Gratitude plays a central role in All Souls Day. By focusing on gratitude, individuals can transform grief into a positive force, enabling them to feel close to their loved ones in a constructive way. This mindset of thankfulness invites participants to reflect on the impact the deceased had on their lives—their values, guidance, and companionship. Many use the day to express gratitude not only in prayer but also by visiting graves, lighting candles, and offering flowers as a token of remembrance. These actions remind us that, even though loved ones may no longer be physically present, their legacies and lessons continue to illuminate our lives.
One of the significant customs associated with All Souls Day is the Book of Remembrance. Often kept in churches or community spaces, this book allows individuals to write down the names of deceased loved ones as a symbolic act of memory and honor. These entries offer comfort to the bereaved by creating a tangible connection to those they have lost. In some traditions, this book is read aloud, fostering a sense of community support and shared remembrance. The Book of Remembrance gives families and friends an opportunity to honor their loved ones and to see that their memory lives on within a communal and spiritual context.
The Book of Remembrance, alongside other All Souls Day practices, underscores the day’s purpose as one of deep reflection, respect, and gratitude. By dedicating a moment to recall the souls of those we have lost, All Souls Day serves as a bridge between the living and the departed, rooted in the belief that our bonds endure across generations. It is a day to remember with gratitude those who came before us and acknowledge their continued impact on our lives. This day invites all to remember that the past holds seeds of gratitude that continue to shape us, connecting us in profound ways to those we have loved and lost.
As our Sunshine Initiative colleague Brian Hettrick shares: his past Sunday, “I was with my grandchildren and one of them pointed to the altar and asked about ‘the book’ – the Book of Remembrance. In that quiet moment, I explained to them that I had written the names of my father and mother, their great-grandparents, within its pages. I told them that this was not just ink on paper, but a way to keep their memory alive, to honor them, and to invite others to pray for their souls. It struck me then how important it is to pass these memories down, to speak the names of those who came before us.”
In a world where families are more dispersed than ever, we risk losing the stories, the faces, and the essence of our loved ones in the mists of time if we don’t keep them alive in our hearts and minds. Let us remember to share these precious connections with the next generation, so that the bonds of our family may endure, reaching across the years, a bridge from the past to the present.
Gratitude for Those Who Help Our Tiniest Fighters: Honoring Premature Birth Awareness Month
National Premature Birth Awareness Month, observed each November, shines a light on the challenges and risks associated with premature births and celebrates the extraordinary role of medical staff and neonatal care teams in saving lives. Established by the March of Dimes in 2003, this observance draws attention to a pressing health issue: globally, about 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year—roughly 15 million infants. In the United States alone, approximately 380,000 babies arrive too soon each year. Premature birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, can result in lifelong health complications, including respiratory issues, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and vision and hearing impairments.
Parents of premature babies often feel immense gratitude for the dedication and expertise of neonatal nurses, doctors, and support staff. These healthcare professionals provide life-saving interventions while also offering vital emotional support to families navigating the uncertainty of a newborn’s fragile health. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are unique spaces where the tiniest, most vulnerable patients receive intensive care, offering them a chance for a healthier future. For many families, gratitude for NICU caregivers extends well beyond the hospital stay, lasting for years as they remember the essential role these caregivers played in their child’s journey.
Our dear friend, Elliot Perry of New Hampshire is a powerful example of a premature baby who overcame the odds with the support of a dedicated medical team. Born three months premature, Elliot faced the significant health risks that accompany an early birth. Thanks to the skilled and compassionate care he received in the NICU, he not only survived but also thrived. Now, at 13 years old, Elliot is committed to giving back to his community, demonstrating resilience and a profound sense of gratitude. Through his foundation, he supports causes aimed at helping others, honoring the medical team who saved his life and paying forward the care he received.
National Premature Birth Awareness Month not only brings attention to the medical challenges of premature birth but also celebrates the triumphs and contributions of those who were once fragile newborns, along with the NICU staff who made their futures possible. Through awareness, advocacy, and gratitude, communities can better support families affected by premature birth and honor the healthcare heroes who make survival stories like Elliot Perry’s possible.
Profile of the Week: Gratitude and Grit: Celebrating Kathleen Paquette’s Journey
This week we are delighted to highlight an amazing woman – Kathleen Paquette – whose gratitude – even in defeat – has provided her with the energy and resolve to ultimately succeed. In fact, there is a quote that captures her story so very well: “Let others cheer the winning man, there’s one I hold worthwhile. ’Tis he who does the best he can and loses with a smile. Beaten he is, but not to stay, down with the rank and file, that man will win another day, who loses with a smile.” Changing "man" to "woman" perfectly captures the woman we spotlight this week: Kathleen Paquette, whose journey has been marked by gratitude, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to her community.
Kathleen’s first significant campaign was in 2023, when she ran for Alderman against the well-known Democratic incumbent Tony Sapienza. Despite advice warning her that her ward would be nearly impossible to win, Kathleen jumped in wholeheartedly, knocking on doors, listening to voters, and working to gain their trust. Though she ultimately lost by a narrow margin, she came away feeling profoundly grateful for the connections she made. Far from discouraging her, the experience strengthened her commitment to make a difference and deepened her appreciation for her community.
This year, Kathleen decided to run for State Representative, joining a team of Republicans campaigning throughout the city. Alongside her fellow candidates, Kathleen found camaraderie, shared goals, and a family-like support network. Her team, husband, children, mother, friends, and neighbors encouraged her through every step, cheering her on when the race grew challenging. Surrounded by this incredible support, Kathleen pushed forward, and her dedication paid off with a hard-earned victory.
In her husband’s words, “Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege to stand with my amazing wife, Kathleen Paquette, as she did what so many people told her was impossible – winning the State Rep seat in Manchester’s Ward 5. They told her Ward 5 couldn’t be won—many times. But if you know Kathleen, you know she’s the most stubborn, driven woman out there. With a not-so-quiet sense of defiance, she went to work, and holy cow, did she work hard! She knocked on every door, even in the tougher neighborhoods, waved signs, made calls, and kept pushing, even when her body and mind said otherwise. I couldn’t be prouder of her. Ward 5 and New Hampshire, you have an amazing new State Rep.”
Kathleen Paquette’s story is one of gratitude for the people who believed in her and for the journey that shaped her into a powerful advocate for her community. Her victory reminds us of the importance of resilience, the strength found in friendship and family, and the impact one determined person can have when she “loses with a smile” but refuses to stay down.
Quote of the Week: Gratitude
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." – Marcus Tullius Cicero
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