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ith the holiday season coming to an end, we are in time of year that many associate with remembering what sparks gratitude in our minds. We were reminded to be thankful. The holidays, for some, bring about a feeling of joy and for some a time of gloominess. It’s different for each one of us. It is important to know that every person comes to every situation with their own personal histories and experiences—good or bad. We have no control over that. It is hope that helps us remember for what we are grateful during this time.

The past few years, as we all understand, have been different. Some may say different is an understatement, and I would agree. Our gatherings were smaller, held virtually or not held at all. Our favorite social events were cancelled. We were not able to gather with our teams for celebrations. Our children were learning at home for years. Our spare bedrooms, closets, basements, or kitchen counters became our offices. We were together with the people we shared home with more than ever before. Nevertheless, that time helped remind us to be grateful for all the things one would expect—our families and friends, the place we call home, food that fills our bellies, and our co-workers that keep us sane. We saw those things in different light and experienced that feeling of gratitude in a new way.

Life as we knew it begins to come back. Children are back in school. Concerts and shows have returned. Holiday parties and gatherings were added to the calendar. Work meetings and conferences are in-person. Our travel schedules have picked up. We have begun to return to the office. I encourage you to remember to hold space for gratitude for the simple things we grew accustomed to but learned could be stripped from us so quickly.

What can we do to remember to hold space for gratitude? You may have your own way to practice mindfulness and find time in your day for that ever so important me time, even if it’s only for a few moments. Remember the new ways in which we grew to connect with one another across the miles over the past few years more than ever. The video calls with relatives and the video meetings and chats with our co-workers became our gateway to human connection. Many people mastered uses of technology that they never thought possible to connect with one another. We slowed down and enjoyed more time at home.

Continue to practice gratitude with your work teams, families, friends, and social networks. Encourage one another to share what they are most grateful for each day. Remember that no matter how hard your day seems today, there is someone with a deeper struggle somewhere in the world. Channel that feeling and pay it forward.

Hold a few minutes for gratitude at the end of each team meeting. Use today to buy that cup of coffee for the person behind you in the coffee shop drive-thru. Send that text of appreciation or congratulations to your co-worker for a win this week. Thank your employees for a job well done and tell them why you are grateful for them. Send a hand-written note expressing gratitude to a special person in your life. Drop off that little treat on your neighbor’s porch. Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while.

We have 86,400 seconds each day. Are you using them to make someone’s day a little brighter? It is the small wins along the way that will keep us going and continue to hold space for gratitude. Embrace them. Strive for them. Celebrate them. ◆