Gratitude Series: Day 5

Day 5 of 7 (missed Day 4)

1. I am grateful for the restful sleep I allowed myself to have without guilt.

2. I am grateful for choosing to honor my limits and making rest a priority over always staying productive.

3. I am grateful for the trust and recognition from my staff knowing she sees me as a leader who supports her growth.

4. I am grateful for the reminder that my efforts are being seen and appreciated by those around me.

5. I am grateful for receiving recognition at work today as a reflection of the care and intention I put into my leadership.

6. I am grateful for the quiet moments that remind me to be kind to myself as I continue learning and growing.

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Yesterday, I didn't post my gratitude list. To be honest, I was sleepy. What’s funny is, I don’t feel any guilt about it. I’m learning that my body needs what it needs, and last night, it needed rest. That’s not something I used to give myself permission to do. Now, I’m learning how to listen to my body. I'm learning that not everything needs to be accomplished immediately, and it’s okay to give myself grace. There’s no guilt in missing a day, and in fact, it felt good to wake up this morning knowing I had slept enough. I’m present, and I’m able to show up for myself and others in ways that feel more honest, more real.

And speaking of showing up for others… something special happened today. One of my staff members, who’s in grad school, told me she wrote about me for her leadership assignment. She said I was the supervisor who made the biggest impact on her, someone who helped her grow in ways she didn’t expect. She could’ve chosen anyone, past or present, and she picked me. She said it was because of how I lead and support her, and how I’ve made a difference in her professional journey. That meant so much to me. It’s one of those moments where you realize you’re doing something right. Not because of the recognition, but because of the impact you’re making on someone else’s life.

To add to that, today I received more recognition, Spotlight of the Month, no less, and it was based on a recommendation from executive leadership. That felt good too, and in a way, it was a confirmation of everything I’ve been working toward. The balance, the leadership, the care. I’m grateful for it all.

But here’s what’s really hitting me when I sit with it all. It’s not the recognition, and it’s not even being written about in an assignment. It’s what these moments represent. That’s what keeps me grounded. It’s knowing that the work I do, the way I lead, the way I exist in these spaces; it matters. And that’s something I’m truly, deeply grateful for.