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“An attitude of gratitude.” It’s a phrase we hear frequently this time of year, but what does it truly mean? While we all certainly have things we’re grateful for, my question for you this month is, How are you showing gratitude all year long?
Growing up, Thanksgiving meant driving to Aunt Suzy and Uncle Phil’s house in the mountains of Central PA. It was freezing outside but warm inside, with a feeling of home and community. My Aunt Suzy (of blessed memory) was an extraordinary cook, dazzling us each year with recipes handed down through generations. She’d always say to me, “Sonia, you need to do Thanksgiving right when you grow up!” To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what she meant back then—but maybe now, I do.
Perhaps celebrating Thanksgiving “right” means prioritizing our relationships over the feast on the table. It’s about recognizing the abundance around us rather than dwelling on what we lack, seeking out opportunities to assist those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or other hardships. This mindset of abundance should extend beyond the holiday season and become a guiding principle in our lives all year long.
This November, we’ll be exploring new and creative ways to build community and give back. We’ll start by learning about the Ignite App, which is designed to deepen our journey as Rotarians and keep us connected. It’s a tool that offers everything from tracking volunteer hours to checking meeting schedules, as well as staying connected with our Club members. Just as we might rely on recipes or traditions to make Thanksgiving memorable, we can use this app as a ‘recipe book’ for impactful service. Our own Nesli and Sheila will guide us through its many features and explain why connecting through it can help us all stay organized, involved, and informed.
The following week, we’ll address a topic that might seem a bit heavier: the opioid epidemic, which has made a significant impact nationwide and, unfortunately, is all too real in Fairfax County. Did you know that opioids were linked to nearly 1,000 overdose fatalities in Virginia last year? This is an epidemic that affects neighbors, friends, and family members alike. Fortunately, we have a special opportunity to hear from a Health, Wellness, and Promotion expert from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. We’ll learn potentially life-saving skills that can equip us to intervene during an overdose situation. While it’s something we hope we never have to use, being prepared could mean the difference between life and death. Taking in this knowledge is one way to extend our compassion and sense of responsibility to the community.
We’ll wrap up our meetings this month by hearing from El Saber Es Poder—an exciting new initiative that translates to “knowledge is power.” Their mission is ambitious but essential: to connect the Latino community in the DC region with resources from businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. Their goal? To provide a comprehensive, supportive network that empowers individuals to address and resolve their most pressing challenges. This visionary organization reminds us that everyone deserves access to support and information. It’s an honor to explore how we, as Rotarians, can become part of this initiative to build connections and bridge gaps within our diverse community.
Thanksgiving at Aunt Suzy’s house was about more than the food—it was about gratitude, abundance, and family. This month, as we lean into service, I hope we’ll carry forward those same themes, reflecting on the wealth we have to share: our skills, our time, and our compassion. Whether we’re learning new tools to strengthen our Club, gaining skills to help save a life, or hearing how to empower others, we’re cultivating an abundance mindset in everything we do.
So, as we dive into November’s events, I hope you’ll consider how an “attitude of gratitude” isn’t limited to the season but serves as the foundation of our service.
Let’s carry Aunt Suzy’s message forward by doing Thanksgiving “right”—focusing on what we can give, not just what we receive. After all, our community thrives when we approach each day with hearts set on gratitude and hands ready to serve.
Yours in Rotary Service,
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