This year we’re celebrating our fourth year of the #thankitforward tradition. You can read more about it here if you aren’t familiar with the practice – but basically we want to encourage everyone to take a moment to specifically thank people in their lives who have made a positive difference.
I’m happy to share my list with you – and grateful that it was so easy for me to pick out people in my community that have helped me this year!
1. Amy Turner
Late last year Amy joined our team – and now, less than 12 months later I’m trying to figure out how we can clone her. I’m watching WestWorld – we can’t be that far off, right?! (I joke – WestWorld is a legit nightmare!) I digress – Amy was a godsend. I know I’m not the only person at TheCR who can’t imagine how we survived without her – it’s like the universe looked at the gaps in our skill set and sent us a perfectly organized, friendly, funny and kind co-worker.
Look, I know I’m gushing but Amy has made a huge positive impact on my year – and not just by being a great teammate, but by being a voice of reason, a confidante and a someone willing to laugh at my (admittedly) terrible jokes. Amy, I’m so thankful for you.
2. Hillary Boucher and Ted McEnroe
I’ve just returned from three months away from TheCR after the birth of my daughter. Stepping away is never easy for me, but this year it was especially tough since our big event (and one of my professional babies) TheCR Connect would take place right at the end of my leave. Which meant that about 90% of the planning, organizing and general cat-herding that goes with event planning would happen without me.
Luckily, I’m surrounded by exceptional team players. In swooped Ted McEnroe and Hillary Boucher – both who have more than full time roles to handle with the team. Together, with the help of the whole team they produced the best event we’ve had to date. It makes me (almost) worried for my day job! Seriously though – to know you are part of a team of real team players, who are happy and eager to step up when needed – even though it increases the burden and stress on themselves? I’m so lucky to be part of the TheCR Team.
3. Various Podcasts Guests
Look, I know I’m sort of cheating. I’ve already named three folks that helped to make my 2016 a good year. I’m going to really tear up the rulebook now and call out nine members of TheCR Network who took time out of their busy schedules to chat with us for our podcast series. Here’s a giant heartfelt thank you to J.J. Lovett, Tracy Maurer, Marjorie Anderson, Shirlin Hsu, Renee Vogt, Tamera Rousseau-Vesta, Kirsten Laaspere, Aaron Buchsbaum and Maximilian Ebnother! It has been a pleasure to talk with each of these community professionals about their work and their journeys.
So there you have it – my list of three (ok, fine, 12!) people in my community that contributed to my 2016 in a positive way. And now, it’s your turn. Blog about it, tweet about it, or just drop by someone’s desk and say, “Thanks! You’re pretty great!” I can confidently say that right now just about everyone can use a little extra kindness.
And finally – one more thank you. I’m so grateful for our wider community community. Thank you for reading, for engaging with us and for sharing your stories and your voice.
