As November arrives and we enter the season of thanksgiving, the DWKC board took time to reflect on what we're truly grateful for. In our busy lives filled with deadlines, meetings, and constant motion, it's easy to lose sight of the blessings that surround us. This month, we paused to share what grounds us, what lifts us up, and what reminds us why we do the work we do. Some of us found wisdom in quotes that have shaped our perspective, while others shared personal reflections on the people and moments that enrich our lives.

Favorite Quotes That Inspire Us: Words have power. The right quote at the right time can shift our perspective, offer comfort during challenging moments, or remind us what truly matters. These are the words that resonate with members of our board—quotes we return to again and again when we need grounding, inspiration, or a gentle reminder to appreciate the present moment.

Adrienne Dopf: "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." – Robert Brault

Haley Flippo: "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." – Thornton Wilder

Trish Thommi: "The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see." – Mary Davis

What We're Grateful For: Beyond inspirational words, gratitude comes alive in our personal stories and everyday experiences. When we asked board members to share what they're thankful for this year, the responses reflected both joy and resilience, highlighting the power of community, friendship, and the small rituals that sustain us. Here's what gratitude looks like for us:

Angela Jones: “My cup is filled daily by the incredible people who make up my personal and professional life. I am truly thankful for the strong relationships that sustain me.  To my colleagues, mentors, friends, and family: thank you for being the people who drive me to be better, who challenge my thinking, and who offer unwavering support whenever it's needed. Your presence and commitment are what make every success possible and every challenge manageable. I appreciate being surrounded by a circle that inspires growth and excellence every single day. Cheers to the power of great people!”

Jennifer Spencer: "I'm grateful for the friendships in my life that help me be a better person. My friendships have helped me navigate through tough personal and professional waters, and I'm so grateful to have such an amazing support system!"

Sarah Wartman: "This year, I'm especially grateful for community. After being laid off earlier this year, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and support I received from former colleagues, friends, and even people I hadn't met before. The encouragement, job leads, and kind words reminded me how powerful it is when people show up for one another. I'm truly thankful for that generosity of spirit and for the reminder that support can come from the most unexpected places."

Lindsay Martin: "Each day, I find myself more thankful for the anchors in my life: my family who grounds me, my daughters who remind me of what truly matters, and the remarkable colleagues at DWKC who help me grow. The greatest lesson has been creating a harmony where work and play both have their season."

Jamie Byers: "Honoring gratitude is what makes me pause in the busyness of life. It's a reminder to me that I am worthy and enough every day."

Shelby Garlock: "Growing older has taught me the art of gratitude and how it's about the small and the big things. I'm grateful for the small things like my morning coffee, daily workouts, and nightly reading. And I'm grateful for having such a huge and diverse tribe of family, friends, colleagues, and my DWKC community, all of whom challenge me, support my growth, and help shape who I am."

As we move through this season of gratitude, we invite you to pause and reflect: What are you grateful for? What quotes inspire you? We'd love to hear from our DWKC community, share your reflections with us in the comments below.