PMINYC President's Corner

2024 GRATITUDE EDITION

Dear PMINYC Community,

Twenty-two years ago, shortly after moving to NYC, my husband Rob broke both of his shoulders in a skiing accident. It wasn’t the Thanksgiving we had planned, but it was a transformational one—teaching us the true meaning of gratitude.

With no family nearby and only a budding circle of friends, I became Rob’s sole caregiver overnight. Feeding, bathing, clothing, and tending to his needs became my new reality--and all this at the holidays. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love the season. I am the crazy lady who walks down NYC sidewalks sniffing Christmas trees. Despite Rob’s condition and pending surgery, I wasn’t about to let anything dull the season’s magic.

Most of my holiday work was done in the wee hours – like an "elf on the shelf", a tree magically appeared one morning and overnight the next morning it was decorated – all twinkling and bright. One of those elvish evenings was spent packaging gifts for our families who lived in the UK and Georgia. Around 3am, I was off to the 24-hour James Farley Post Office, where the Moynihan rail station is located now. It was the mailing deadline for overseas packages - so no time to waste. I loaded my rolling cart and was off – not quite like St. Nick in the blink of an eye, but I was away.

As I arrived, the snow began to drop more heavily (did I forget to mention it was snowing?!). I looked up at the 31 steps leading to the main lobby level in despair. At that moment, a stranger appeared, silently lifted the front of my cart, and helped me carry it up the stairs. Once we reached the top, he simply said, “Merry Christmas,” and walked away. I never learned his name, but even now, 22 years later, I tear up with gratitude when I think about his act of kindness.

Why Share This Story?

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it’s about gratitude—not gifts or consumerism. Yet, as I watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, I was disheartened. The ribbon was cut by “The Giving Guide,” someone promoting perfect gift-giving, and retailers have turned “The 12 Days of Christmas” into “The 12 Days of Gifting” or “A Fortnight of Presents.” It’s exhausting, and I fear we’ve lost sight of what truly matters.

If one stranger’s small act of kindness could leave such a lasting impression on me, imagine the collective impact we could have as a community.

According to Dr. Robert Emmons, known for working on multiple research projects focused on gratitude, the feeling of gratitude involves two stages: First, there is the acknowledgment of goodness in one’s life. Second, gratitude is recognizing that sources of this goodness lie outside the self – we have received something of value from others. It arises from a posture of openness to others where we are able to gladly recognize their benevolence.

Scientific studies attribute a number of benefits to those who practice gratitude including:

• Stronger relationships
• Greater happiness
• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Restorative, refreshing sleep
• Lower hostility and aggression
• A boosted immune system through reduced inflammation

And it doesn’t stop there. Gratitude also enhances workplace performance—but that’s a topic for another day. Not only does gratitude uplift the recipient, but it enriches the giver as well, creating a true win-win.

Join Me in My “12 Days of Gratitude” Project!

This holiday season, I invite you to join me in reimagining “The 12 Days of Christmas” as “The 12 Days of Gratitude.” Starting today, Sunday December 22nd, I'll be sharing a LinkedIn post to start a Gratitude LinkedIn campaign encouraging stories of gratitude and acts of kindness. I will be posting for 12 days consecutively. Let's inspire one another by demonstrating gratitude and spreading positivity in our community and beyond this holiday season. What acts of kindness will you perform? I can't wait to hear what you have to share!

Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season! I am grateful for each one of you.

As always, I am listening.

Until next time…

Kind regards,

Kim

Please connect with me on LinkedIn!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

FRIEND

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