By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher
A spirit of thankfulness is an active choice. To be thankful rather than to complain takes a conscious act of the will. Our response to situations and circumstances, positive and negative, make a huge difference in the outcome. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, enhance empathy, reduce aggression, improve self-esteem and build stronger relationships. According to Forbes, “Cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous!”
So, Bay Life asked, “What are you thankful for in an unprecedented 2020?”
Personally, I am so very thankful for a supportive community that makes our program work. Without their financial support we could not keep the doors open. Thanking God for all the support.
~ Miss Grace, President of Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) non-profit in Niceville
I’m thankful our community has fabulously supported our free community events, like our Back-to-School Supplies giveaway, vendor craft fair and the upcoming Photos with Santa on Dec 12th. And by renting our non-profit venue, they know 100% of proceeds help our moms and children in real and tangible ways.
~Wanda Siefke, Secretary CALM Board & Publicity person for CALM VenYou201
I am thankful for an unwavering, loving and giving community.
~Julie Porterfield, CEO, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
Of course, I am thankful for all the things most people say…like friends, family and good health. Today, as I write this, I have to tell you just how grateful I am for my wonderful clients! I have had such a pleasurable time working with them—all of them! I really do have the greatest job in the world and I am grateful!
~ Gail Pelto, Keller Williams
I’m thankful for my amazing and loving family! I’m very grateful for the privilege of serving Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and the people who have been on this cultural journey with me for the past 22 years.
~Marcia Hull, CEO, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
I am thankful for my wife Catrina who enjoys fishing and can hook a line better than I can. I’m also very thankful to live near Choctawhatchee Bay.
~Rick Moore, Communications Pastor Destiny Worship Center
I have overwhelming gratitude for my team at Frances Roy. Hillaree, Janae, Kelsey, Jodie, Gregory, Kayla and Rinn are the most agile and resilient individuals I’ve ever worked with and they’ve navigated the unknowns at each and every turn. Proud isn’t the right word but certainly, I am in awe of their efforts. I am most especially grateful for Hillaree Durso – who has grown into her leadership abilities and truly embodies each and every Frances Roy core value.”
~ Shantelle P. Dedicke, CMP, President/Chief Creative Officer, Francis Roy Agency
I am thankful to be living in this paradise surrounded by my beautiful family and amazing friends!
~ Gregory Durette, Florida Health Connector
I am thankful that COVID-19 has not been as bad in Okaloosa County as other counties. I am thankful that we re-opened to help our local economy prosper instead of die like so many other cities. Most of all I am thankful to God for the good fortune of having a great job, great friends and a wonderful loving husband.
~Denise Kendust, Dir. PR & Communications, FWB Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital
I am thankful for God’s love, mercy and grace. I am thankful for my husband, Bob, for our daughter and son and their wonderful spouses, and for our four grandchildren. I am thankful that we are all healthy and that we all love and care for each other. I am truly blessed.
~ Myrna Conrad, Bay Life/Destin Life writer
I’m so blessed to have such an amazing and supportive family. We are so very fortunate to live and be able to work in an amazing and beautiful area of the Florida panhandle.
~ Jason Hall, Five Channels
And I am thankful for our partners and readers. It’s your voices and your support that make this publication valuable and read by thousands!
–Lori Leath Smith, Publisher, Destin Life | Bay Life
