Gratitude

The end of this year and the beginning of a new year make me think of gratitude.

I find it important for my sanity to remember the many ways I need to be thankful for my existence and the many people for whom I am grateful. Obviously, family and friends top my list, but many others whom I’ve met through Lane Audubon enrich my life as well. 2024 is the 22nd year I’ve served as president of this group. It has become an identity and a passion that fills me with purpose. I also am grateful for the many members who have either become friends or with whom we share a sense of familiarity and common ground. This interconnectedness gives us a shared space within which we can communicate and feel accepted.

Gratitude deepens and energizes relationships. Sharing good feelings boosts healing and makes us more resilient to stress. We become more able to solve problems proactively, and, even if not always successful, the act of working toward our goals together gives us a sense of accomplishment.

We all know and accept that conservation and environmental efforts rarely get solved entirely to our satisfaction, so we need to remember the value of our networking together. We want to say “Thank You” to the many people who have helped our organization. I truly appreciate the members of Lane Audubon and the other organizations we network with. It restores my sense of human goodness, and I am indeed grateful for that!

My feelings of gratitude extend to the many wonders of the natural world that I experience each day. Sometimes the very small beauties of a frosty morning with sun glistening on crystals of ice, or an evening winter sky filled with the stars of the Milky Way, envelop me with awe. The natural world we value rolls along with or without our notice; I get far more out of the natural beauty around me than I can ever give back.

Similarly, I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate the Audubon family. To each of you who have contributed with donations, local membership dues, volunteer time, and your talents … you have my deepest gratitude. Please continue our shared efforts to value and cherish the natural environment in this wonderful part of the world we call home.