Gratitude is always a skill that I try to practice in my daily life. I encourage my children to do the same in whatever way works best for them—whether it’s making sure they write “thank you” notes after receiving gifts, returning favors from friends and family, or keeping one of those trendy “gratitude journals” where you write down at least one thing each day that you’re thankful for.
My hope is that we can all find ways to incorporate gratitude into our lives. Because when we do, it can make the difficult times feel a bit easier. And I’m not just making that up! Studies show there are countless health and wellness benefits of gratitude. For example, in individuals who actively “practice” gratitude, research shows greater activity in the medial prefrontal cortex – which is the fancy scientific term for the part of your brain that does the learning and decision-making.
But there’s a catch…research has also found that you can’t simply feel grateful. To get the full benefits, you have to express gratitude, too.
So, here it goes…
Thank you to my wonderful family for your love and giving me the best reason to wake up every morning.
Thank you to every single client who has trusted me with their home selling or buying journey. Without you, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to earn a living doing what I love every single day for the last 30 years.
Thank you to anyone who has ever referred a client to me. Like every entrepreneur, I am humbled and forever grateful for every new client I am able to work with. Remember: One of the easiest and most profound ways you can support local communities, is by supporting your local businesses…even if it’s simply by referring your friends and family.
Thank you to my friends who bring a smile to my face, share encouragement, and continue to be some of my biggest cheerleaders.
Thank you for my Men’s Fraternity group who help hold me accountable to be a better husband, father, and businessman.
Thank you to my church, Christ Church of Oak Brook, for being a pillar in the community and to our family.
Thank you to Ruth Lake Country Club who provids a much-needed place to be outside in 2020 and enjoy friends and family.
Thank you to the residents and businesses that do the work and contribute to making our local communities great. It’s been a fantastic experience being able to live and work in this corner of the Chicago suburbs that I love so dearly.
Thank you to my colleagues for collaborating with me in our common goal of helping clients make moves…and always giving my competitive personality a reason to push harder and farther for my clients.
And thank you, COVID. Yes, really. Thank you, COVID, for forcing us to pivot and ultimately giving us all the opportunity to shift our perspectives, and adapt to be better versions of ourselves.
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If you feel compelled, please SHARE this blog post with your friends and family! I would be very grateful. – Mike