I am thankful for 2020 asking me to go further in identifying what is meaningful, essential and fun in my life as the challenges of the year overwhelmed the status quo of my familiar way of navigating the world around me. I have so much appreciation for Hummingbird's wholesale customers and Hummingbird coworkers who continued to work, despite the challenges of Covid, to bring healthy clean food to those who needed it. I am seeking to be grateful for each moment I have breath and consciousness because that appears to be the only thing over which I have any control that will make a difference in every interaction. —Charlie Tilt, CEO/Co-owner
Well it seems overwhelming to express how much I am grateful for today. Even during these challenging times, I am so grateful for another day to try to be the best I can be. Another breath in this body. Another day to strive to change myself, to transform every negative thought into a positive affirmation of love for all beings. To catch myself when I am not in my integrity working toward my mission of service to all. I am in awe of this day, this minute, this beautiful crazy world. And of course, I am grateful for my precious husband Charlie and our sweet girls, for Hummingbird, for good food. I am on my knees in thanks giving. May our giving be thankful.—Julie Tilt, Co-owner
I am grateful for my partner, who loves me unconditionally for all that I am. I am grateful for my friends and community where different perspectives can converge and create blossoming perspectives. I am grateful for my mother and father, whose differences I love and cherish. I am grateful for books and the worlds I get to explore in them when the one I'm living in makes me feel, at times, incredibly scared and anxious. I am grateful for Hummingbird, and the love and support that I receive from my community here. There is a lot that I am grateful for, and to be able to even write a few down, makes me realize that I have a whole list of things that I don't even think about that I am incredibly grateful for. Sometimes it is easy to become ungrateful, which I often do, but writing and thinking about all the little and big wonders, make moments in life even brighter. —Ramani Karen, Customer Service and Sales Representative
There is no sugar coating it, 2020 has been a difficult year. It has presented all of us with incredible challenges, but also with opportunities to reflect, be better, have more empathy and take time to focus on what is most important. I feel fortunate to work in the Organic food business, because we have the privilege of providing sustenance to our communities. Now, more than ever, this feels like such a meaningful way to serve! It has been heartening to see how adversity can bring people together to support one another and our communities. At Hummingbird, we have been able to provide food donations to local schools for their family food box programs, to support free lunch programs, support communities impacted by the fires in Oregon, our local food bank and so much more.
I am grateful for staying connected in new ways this year. As coworkers trying to bridge the gap between onsite and remote workers, and as families and friends in a physically distanced reality - we are finding creative ways to stay in touch, get our work done and to be authentic in the experience. I feel so fortunate to live in a time when we have access to technology that makes it easier to do this. Personally, like many people I know, I have taken stock of what really matters - family and friends, meaningful work and taking time for reflection, time to slow down. I have spent more time cooking healthy meals (...and baking some comfort foods - bread and cookies, anyone?) and I have been making more time to be in nature. I love to travel, but this year has kept me closer to home, exploring Oregon's mountains and beaches. Kayaking the Cascade Lakes many times throughout this past summer with my family and dogs was such an amazing way to keep my soul fed. Wow, I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place! I am so thankful for my family, for time with friends and family (even if it is over Zoom!), and for the incredible people who are part of the Hummingbird community - my coworkers, the farmers, customers, food industry and non-profit friends - all who are inspiring leaders in our food community. I look ahead with hope and am grateful for each day. —Stacy Kraker, Director Marketing & Sales
I'm thankful for loving family, friends, and co-workers that support me. Thankful for plants growing and snow falling. Thankful for all the wonderful trails and rivers and mountains of Oregon. I'm thankful to be alive! I'm looking forward to getting married to the love of my life, running to the top of Mary's Peak and maybe getting back to some semblance of normal. —Jackson Bagley-Bonner, Sales Representative
