The following article is an opinion piece, written by MHC’s Marketing and Development Coordinator, Jacquilyn Davis.
The holiday of Thanksgiving holds a special and unique meaning for many. For those who celebrate, food, family, and football are popular elements to many on this day, while others spend time volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in the the annual Manchester Road Race, or searching through ads in preparation of Black Friday sales. For me, I enjoying taking time to reflect and share my gratitude for those in my life who have made an impact. I give thanks to loved ones and share stories of appreciation with others to encourage this practice.
There are some who say there is a science to practicing gratitude. According to Derrick Carpenter, MAPP, “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.” I’ve found that the act of writing and expressing gratitude does have a positive effect on my wellbeing. Receiving gratitude is also heart warming and so I asked my co-workers to join me in sharing what they are grateful for as an MHC employee.
Those who shared their message of thanks are just a fraction of the 200(+) employees that make up Mental Health Connecticut. They are a dedicated group of individuals that I am proud to work with and grateful for each and every day.
“As an MHC employee, I am grateful for the camaraderie of my team and my MHC family. I have found some lifelong friends that have helped me grow as a leader and in my personal life. I am truly grateful for the compassion that we have as a whole between staff and to our clients.” – Victoria (Sanborn) Selden, Employment and Education Program Coordinator
“I am thankful that throughout MHC there are amazing programs with amazing staff available to those individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions. I am thankful that I can go home each night and know that we helped someone – whether it be big or small, we touched someone’s life for the better and really made a difference.” – Anonymous
“I am grateful for being surrounded by incredibly talented, beautiful, and caring people and working with these same people in an organization whose mission is to bring wellness to all.” – Jennifer Pulse, Chief Financial Officer
“As someone who has only worked in the mental health field for four years, I am grateful to be at MHC. From this talented, smart staff I see empathy in action and I have witnessed people’s lives changed – both with our program participants and our staff. It’s no exaggeration to say that I am a better human for working here and I am excited to be a part of our future.” Suzi Craig, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy
“I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for folks that are struggling to move towards their recovery. We are so lucky to get to work at a job where relationships are valued and can make the difference in someone’s life.” – Jennifer Hunter Smith, Director of Torrington Residential Services
“I am grateful for Marissa, Nancy, Donna, Liz, Dave, Hollen, Jill, and all the other great, helpful people I work with!” – Suzanne Westerberg, Diversion Nurse clinician
“Today, more than ever, I am grateful to be surrounded by a community of advocates, supporters, volunteers, and staff, whose endless pursuit to meet the MHC mission is to be honored. I wish all a safe and joyful holiday.” – Luis B. Perez, President & CEO
Please join us in sharing your messages of gratitude by posting one to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tagging @MentalHealthCT #seasonofgratitude.
