During this holiday season, we can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to find the right gift, baking as many cookies as possible, and saying yes to every party invitation we receive.  But recently, I’ve seen a lot of posts about gratitude and how to spend the holiday season helping others, and that reminds me of what I like best about Christmas (which is what I celebrate; for you, it may be something else!) – slowing down and thinking about what I’m really thankful for as this year winds up. 

Of course, there are many things in my personal life that I’m thankful for – the birth of my newest niece, and becoming her godmother, getting to spend so much time with my nieces that the oldest one gives me hugs for no reason, welcoming a new puppy into my home, which had the extra effect of calming my older dog’s anxiety, having a roof over my head, food in my home, and a job to go to every day. 

But there are also some professional blessings I’d like to take a moment to share with you today – and I’d love to hear about your gratitude lists in the comments! 

I’m grateful for: 

– A job that allows me to travel the world, and work with talented people in countries I never dreamed of visiting. 

– Clients who welcome me into their homes as a friend when I’m in their city. 

– Celebrating the wedding of two of my clients, and being invited to the wedding of another. 

– Receiving a hand-written thank you note from a client for sending him some photos from a recent conference. 

– An employer who has faith in my work ethic and passion enough to humor my various projects – which resulted in a Your Honor Award in 2009 for a series of legal cartoons and great success in social media in a field where a lot of law firms are banning sites like Facebook. 

– A job that encourages me, and sometimes pushes me, to step way out of my comfort zone, both mentally and physically (a la hiking a mountain in southern California as one of our attorneys’ wives held onto my arm because of my fear of heights!).

– The challenge to find new and creative ways for our firms to work together in the new year.

– And you, dear readers, who give me a reason to write.  I’ve always had a lot to say, and now I have a place to say it! 

What are you most thankful for this year?