Giving Thanks

Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center

Dear Center Families,

November is appropriately now recognized as “National Gratitude Month.” It was submitted as such by Stacey Grewal and proclaimed by the Registrar at National Day Calendar in August 2015.

Gratitude is so much more than simply saying “thanks.” Taking a moment and being grateful allows us to shift our focus from the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. In my experience, gratitude always seems to turn what I already have into enough and when I am grateful my life always seems to improve. Research in fact has shown that gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and wellbeing. On average, grateful people tend to have fewer stress-related illnesses, experience lowered blood pressure, and have more satisfying personal and professional relationships. Studies have shown grateful kids are even more likely to get A’s in school!

At the Center, we have so much to be grateful for. The fact that we are able to operate safely during a pandemic and continue to do the essential work we love of caring for and teaching young children is a blessing. I greatly appreciate the Center’s staff who show up every day and believe in our vision of transforming the lives of children. I am grateful that after more than 32 weeks, my 80-year old parents, my husband, my high school son, and I have all remained COVID-free and well. I am thankful to the board of directors that the entire team and I will be able to have a long 4-day weekend as we close on Thanksgiving and the day after on November 27.

I hope you have many reasons to also give thanks this month. And be sure to watch for our social media posts with the hashtag #NationalGratitudeMonth for inspiration.

My best,
Teri Ann