Long day but was a able to get a note out someone that did not give me a listing. Thanked them for the opportunity.

A parable about gratitude... Still, She Shines In a quiet village between the mountains and the plains, an unassuming young woman served her community with quiet consistency. She mended clothes for neighbors who couldn’t afford new ones. She prepared and delivered meals to those recovering from illness. She watched over children when parents needed a break or had to work late. She didn’t keep score—she just tried to help wherever help was needed. Most of the time, she was content knowing she was making a difference—whether or not anyone said it out loud. But lately, a question had crept in. Not because people were unkind or ungrateful—just distracted, busy, going through their days. The smiles had faded. The thank-yous had thinned. And she found herself wondering: Does this really matter? One evening, feeling off-center and unsure, she stood at the edge of the village path, hesitating. Her grandmother’s cottage wasn’t far—just a short walk through the trees—but tonight, even that felt like a quiet admission: something inside her needed steadying. She almost turned back - told herself she was fine and didn’t need to bother anyone with something so small or vague. But something in her chest tugged forward. And so, with a soft exhale, she began walking the winding path to her grandmother’s cottage on the edge of the village. They sat by the fire, wrapped in a silence that didn’t feel empty. After a while, the young woman spoke. “I’ve been doing what I always do. But lately… I’m not sure if anyone notices. Or if it even matters.” Her grandmother stirred the fire, then nodded toward the window, where the last light stretched across the hills. “What gives warmth, helps things grow, and shows up every day—even when most people don’t stop to appreciate it?” The young woman followed her gaze. “The sun.” Her grandmother smiled. “Exactly. Rarely do people stop and appreciate the sun. But we count on it. The sun doesn’t shine for applause. The sun shines because that’s what the sun does. And because people know you, and they know your heart, they’ve come to count on you in the same way—because your nature is to

I've taken on this challenge with my own approach. Instead of writing thank you cards, I've been working on my daily attitude and outlook on my interaction with others. I strive to look at interactions and situations in a more gratuitous light. I've done this especially with people that I've newly met. I participated in a workshop yesterday with this approach and in less than an hour the five of us that attended became fast friends looking forward to seeing each other at the next event. The experience truly made my day and reminded me that we often all want the same thing: positive human connection that makes us feel good and reminds us that we matter.

Sometimes it is the people who see you every day that notice when you are off before you truly admit it to yourself. I was blown away yesterday when someone I see every day but am not super close to touched my arm and with such sincerity to and kindness asked me if I was okay. Most times I would smile and say of course and never share my feelings. Yesterday, for whatever reason and I am sure to this persons surprise I started to cry. She whisked me into a private room and just held my hand and listened. Most people in your life listen but they can have a variety of their own emotions at play when they hear your pain. She had none of those attachments and could just listen. At the end of our talk I felt like I had gained a true friend and have some great advice from someone who has no stake in any of the choices I make moving forward. I have a prayer warrior and a future shoulder to cry on. Today, my thank you card was to her. If you notice a huge change in someone around you, check on them. The world is tough right now and so many people are struggling with so many things. Your kindness and time can make all the difference to someone teetering on the edge. If you are struggling, there are people out there who are ready to listen. You don’t have to pretend everything is perfect all the time. Sometimes, your vulnerability could open up someone else to reach out and be vulnerable at just the right moment.