Give thanks year round, not just during holidays

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Carolyn Coleman
  • 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The celebration of Thanksgiving this week marks the start of the holiday season and a time where we traditionally reflect on the things for which we are grateful. Last month I attended the one-hour resiliency course and two concepts stuck with me; find the positive in every situation and take the time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for.

As I sat in the classroom I started to think about how much I have applied these concepts in my life. I'll admit I have a tendency to focus more on the negative aspect of things from time to time and, like many of us, get caught up in the day to day mission. It is all too easy to fall into this rut. The more I thought about it the more I realized I could do a better job in both my personal and professional life to emphasize the positive and express my gratitude.

There are many things for which I am grateful. My family and friends who keep me grounded, the "Mad Dogs" of the 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron whose dedication and hard work inspire me to be a better leader every day, and the confidence my leadership has placed in me to influence and shape the path of the squadron I have been chosen to command. These three things are what keep me going when times get rough and make me more resilient regardless of the challenges that come my way.

Reflecting on those things we are grateful for should not just be focused completely inwards. Take a look around and be grateful for everything that happens around you. More importantly, express that gratitude. A simple "thank you" can brighten someone's day; it makes people feel appreciated for what they do. While much can be gained from the expression of these two simple words, many times we forget to use them and take for granted those around us. When is the last time you thanked your family and friends for supporting you? Your supervisors or co-workers for what they have done to help you at work? If the answer is I can't remember, then it's time to hit, he reset button, get out there, and pass along your gratitude.

As leaders and supervisors, it is easy to become attached to the computer. So much of what we do revolves around electronic correspondence. If you fall prey to this trap, and let's face it we all do from time to time, it robs you of your ability to see the positive around you. You become desensitized and lose sight of what is truly important, the people in your unit. The mission will always get done, but it is the people who make the difference.

There is no better way to inspire and lead then by walking around your unit, spreading the positive and saying thank you to your co-workers and subordinates. Over time what you will find is these two simple actions will become part of your organization's culture. Emphasizing the positive in everything and saying "thank you" to others not only makes us more resilient, but it also makes us better wingmen, leaders, co-workers and supervisors.

So if you haven't already used this season of giving thanks as inspiration for focusing on the positive and expressing your gratitude to those around you, now is the perfect time to start your own tradition and continue it throughout the year.