By Executive Director Paul Stein
Gratitude, I have learned, instills a sense of happiness, improves health and helps us deal with adversity. Of course, the reverse is true. Happiness, health and the ability to deal with adversity all instill a sense of gratitude.
Yet, the power of gratitude lies in the fact that it is self-reinforcing. Acknowledging to ourselves and others those things in life that make us thankful is an act of healing.
Thanksgiving 2020 presents us with a unique dilemma. In a year notorious for its historic difficulties, one in which many are unable to come together in traditional family celebrations, how can we genuinely feel a sense of gratitude?
Two traits, which I’ve seen over and over again since the start of this pandemic leap to mind: resilience and ingenuity. Without exception, each one of our five school communities — students, staff, caregivers and parents alike — have shown resilience and ingenuity as they have shifted to and from remote, hybrid and in-person approaches to learning. They have repeatedly shown both traits in weathering the challenges of remote learning, mask wearing, social distancing and more.
We are so grateful for the support of the broad collective Schools for Children community. Our wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you experience the power of gratitude, that you marvel in your own and in your family’s resilience and ingenuity, and that this, in turn, brings you happiness, health and the strength to deal with adversity.
Happy Thanksgiving.