Now is a great time to experience the power of gratitude! It truly is remarkable how cultivating gratitude can shift our perspective and enhance many aspects of our lives. By appreciating small, everyday moments, we rewire our brains to focus more on the positive, which can lead to improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. It's also a gentle reminder that well-being isn't just found in big milestones but in the ordinary moments that often go unnoticed. Would you like to explore ways to incorporate more gratitude into your daily routine?
It Takes Practice
By pausing and reflecting on the source of your gratitude, you not only express appreciation but also deepen your connection to the present moment. Here’s how you might refine and expand on this practice:
- Be Mindful of Your Reactions: Start by observing when you say "thank you" throughout the day. Is it automatic, or do you pause and take it in? Notice how your body feels—are you genuinely present, or is your mind already racing ahead to your next task? Cultivating awareness of these habitual responses is the first step in changing them.
- Start with One Interaction: When your instinct to say “thanks” arises, stop for a moment and take note. Can you name what you feel grateful for, even beyond the gesture that’s been extended? Then say thank you.
- Break it Down, Get Specific: While it's easy to thank someone for their direct action, see if you can expand your appreciation. Perhaps you're grateful for their patience, their effort, or the way their presence brings a sense of calm. This shift helps deepen your sense of gratitude beyond surface-level exchanges.
- Use Gratitude as a Reset: If you're feeling rushed or stressed, use the act of giving thanks as a moment to slow down and reconnect. Taking even a few seconds to express genuine gratitude can create space to shift from automatic behavior to mindful awareness.
- Reflect on the Impact: In the moment, take time to reflect on the exchange. Whether it was how the sun felt on your face, or how your coworker asked about your vacation, how did it make you feel? Did it strengthen your connection to the moment or the person? Over time, you’ll notice that the act of gratitude becomes more meaningful, not only for you it also for those you interact with.
Building a habit of gratitude through these small, conscious practices can lead to a greater sense of appreciation in all aspects of life.
At Hummingbird, we practice Gratitude everyday. When asked, our birds are happy to share what they are grateful for. Here are a few things our Birds are thinking about lately.
I'm really grateful for the energetic Hummingbird crew that I get to work with. The hard work we do together and the smiles, giggles and fun we have while doing the work. I really appreciate the positive attitudes that help support everyone. I am grateful for my good work-life balance and the improvements to the worker benefits this past year and the upcoming ones too! -Livin’ Adkins
I am grateful for the high level of personal energy that my coworkers at Hummingbird bring to their work. It is wonderful to work alongside others who want to do their best, enjoy making work more effective, and support their teammates in being successful. I love that we want to grow our skills and that we can enjoy work while delivering healthy food. -Charlie Tilt
I am grateful for my children, they are beams of unconditional Love and Light. We are a fabulous family full of silliness and smiles. I am grateful to work for Hummingbird Wholesale, as they see me as a Human Being and they support my needs as a Mother. Working for such a wonderful company with brilliant people brings joy to every work day. -Eve Springer
I'm grateful for the flexibility, excellent work-life balance, and the challenges in my job. There is always something new to learn and improve! I like the quote by Tony Robbins, "When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears." -Kelsie Goldman
Amidst life's blessings, I cherish my loving family, warm home, and the peace of knowing my needs are met. I'm deeply grateful for Hummingbird's flexibility and support, allowing me time to focus on being a new mom while continuing to grow my career. -Lauren Fowler
I am most grateful for my son's health and happiness and for our relationship. I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity here at Hummingbird to stretch myself and grow with a group of stellar individuals with work that challenges me daily! -Kimmie Hunton
I’m thankful for the authenticity and warmth of everyone here. It makes our work not just productive, but genuinely enjoyable. I am grateful for working with such kind and supportive coworkers. -Chelsea Porter
I am grateful to work in a place where everyone truly cares about the work we do, our customers, and each other! -Kat Vecchio
I am grateful to work with such supportive, dependable and enthusiastic Coworkers at Hummingbird. It is energizing to work with a team of people who are committed to continuous improvement and who always are happy to jump in wherever is needed when things get challenging. I am especially grateful for the daily laughs, high-fives and authentic conversations, for the personal connections, we all share. As we head into 2025, I am looking forward to our continued success in bringing healthy, thoughtfully sourced, organic food with exceptional service to our community. We really couldn’t do it without our commitment to one another, working as a team. -Stacy Kraker
I'm grateful for my family's good health, for the heart-centered sincerity of the Hummingbird community, for the sun and its support of all life, and for the darkness that reminds us of the value of light. -Kara LaVelle
As our year comes to an end and a new year begins – now is a perfect time to start practicing Gratitude.
Learn more about the Science of Gratitude and Gratitude and the Brain at Mindful – Healthy Mind – Healthy Life. PHOTO: Ben, our Warehouse Lead, shares some of our ideas that have lead to near perfect Fulfillment Accuracy with our customers as part of our Customer Appreciation Tour.