Let Us Give Thanks

At the Kline, the Summit and CBS, we are blessed to have a group of employees who are second to none. We are grateful for the hard work and commitment of every staff member. Every day, each employee contributes to the health and well-being of our residents and patients, and to the sense of community we share. Whether it’s a smile, a kind act, or caring words, your actions spark human connections and enrich lives.

Who would have thought, back in January, what a crazy year this would turn out to be? And now, it’s almost Thanksgiving – which might be hard to believe, considering all that’s happened in the last few months can seem like a blur. Thanksgiving will be very different for most of us. We may not see our friends or loved ones in person. We may be worried about older relatives who are alone or isolated. In fact, given the impact of this pandemic, it may be challenging to even think about gratitude. As Melissa Kirsch, writing in the New York Times, said, “It’s been difficult lately not to focus on what we’re missing, the people we’re not seeing, the places we’re not going and the things we’re not doing.”

But, she says, “This year, expressing gratitude seems more essential than ever.”

As we observe Thanksgiving, then Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, let us focus on people and things we are grateful for in our lives. In fact, consider expressing or thinking about gratitude on a regular basis throughout the year. You might be amazed at the positive effects it can have on your mental and even physical health. According to various studies, feelings of gratitude can lower our blood pressure, decrease the impact of stress and depression, allow us to sleep better, and improve our interpersonal relationships.

It’s easy to cultivate your sense of gratitude, and by doing so you might just feel less stressed and more able to cope with life’s ups and downs. Here are some tips from the Harvard Mental Health Letter:

• Write a thank-you note
• Thank someone mentally
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Count your blessings
• Pray
• Meditate

Cultivating gratitude helps us appreciate the things – large and small – that make us happy, which in turn gives us a sense of abundance. These feelings are key to our well-being. As Kirsch notes in her New York Times article, “Turning our attention to the things we do have rather than what we don’t is a tough task, but a crucial one.”

Our CEO, Jeff Cohen, recently reflected over this past year and wrote, “This has clearly been one of the most challenging years of my healthcare career, but I can’t think of a more dynamic, dedicated and incredible team I’d rather be with than the healthcare heroes at Kline Galland. I feel truly blessed to have the best of the best caring for our vulnerable residents and patients. I have much to be thankful for, and the beautiful care you provide, even in difficult times, is at the top of my list.”