As I return from my Asian vacation, I am feeling deeply thankful. Thankful for my incredible team who kept things running smoothly back home, and thankful for the gift of stepping away to experience different parts of the world. It’s amazing how travel can open your eyes; not only to new cultures, but to new levels of appreciation, especially when you travel with dear friends.
In the East, gratitude is a living practice. It’s seen in the way people bow, speak softly, or make room for others. It’s built into the rhythm of life: respect, humility, and awareness. I remember when I was in Korea last time, a small moment stuck with me: a group of young adults stood up and offered me their seat on the subway. At first, I laughed. Then someone explained, “They do that for older people.” I smiled and thought, Well, I guess that’s me now! But instead of feeling old, I felt honored. That single gesture spoke volumes about the culture’s gratitude and respect.
It made me reflect on how often we show that kind of appreciation in our own daily lives. Gratitude isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about recognizing and honoring the good that’s already around us: our families, our colleagues, even strangers who cross our path.
Living with gratitude keeps us grounded. It strengthens our relationships, improves our perspective, and reminds us that every day, we have something, or someone, to appreciate.
