An attitude of gratitude. I often have to remind my son, being grateful for what you have should never be taken for granted. The world does not owe anyone anything. So I try my hardest to have an attitude of gratitude. I personally celebrate Thanksgiving so when November rolls around each year, I get extra thankful for the time with family, time away from work and yummy desserts…that’s my sweet tooth speaking. To name just a few things. My ask of you this November, use this month to keep a gratitude journal or gratitude post it note or even a note in your cell phone. The act of writing or typing goes a long way in helping to foster positivity and reflection on daily experiences. So pick your method or device of choice and start writing.
In a field that often feels thankless and one where the work seems neverrrrrrrrr ending. We have to find or create moments and joy and remind ourselves that we still have so much to be thankful for. Carve out some time in your day, every day to respond to one of these prompts:
Reflection on Connection…
Write about a meaningful connection you made with a resident or one of your staff or a colleague on campus this week. What did you learn from the interaction?
Missed Opportunities…
Think of a missed opportunity in your role that turned out to be a good thing.
How did it force you to grow or adapt?
Supportive Colleagues…
Describe a colleague who has positively impacted your work experience.
What did they do, and how did it make a difference for you?
Creativity to the Rescue…
Write about a challenge you faced this month and a creative solution you or your team came up with. How did this impact your community or work?
Personal/Professional Growth…
Reflect on a skill you’ve developed through your role in Residence Life and Housing.
How has this skill made you more effective in your job?
Gratitude for Feedback…
Think about a piece of feedback you received from a resident or colleague that made you feel appreciated. How did it motivate or inspire you?
Remember despite how it may come gift wrapped, feedback is a gift!
Celebrating Success…
Write about a successful event or program you organized.
What went well, and who contributed to that success?
Small Joys, Big Moments…
List three small moments from your day that brought you joy in your role.
These could be interactions, achievements, or even quiet moments of reflection.
Favorite Resources…
Write about a resource (book, workshop, or training) that has inspired you in your work.
How has it helped shape your perspective?
Daily Affirmations…
Write down three affirmations about your role that you’re thankful for.
How do these affirmations support your work?
Thankfulness for Change…
Reflect on a recent change or challenge in your work environment.
What positive outcomes emerged from that situation?
Write down what role, if any, you played in bringing this change to fruition.
Future Vision…
Imagine where you see your residence life community in the future. What are you grateful for in your vision, and what steps will you take to help achieve it? Or imagine where you see your office/unit in the future. What are you grateful for in your leadership vision, and what steps will you take to help achieve it? Remember, the future is ready for you to create it!
Unleash your creative juices!
Take the time. Make the time. Allow yourself the opportunity to appreciate the richness of your experiences and the impact you have on the lives of students, staff and truly everyone that comes in contact with you. Keep an attitude of gratitude at all times!
