Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life . . .

Gratitude . . . a word that we hear often, but may not put into practice enough. I know that I certainly don’t. That is one of my goals moving forward, to live with more intentional gratitude. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on all of the things that we are grateful for in our lives, but I would encourage all of us to continue our gratitude and thankfulness well beyond this holiday season; because as the saying goes, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” I believe this to be true. I’m going to begin unlocking the fullness of my life . . . On a personal level, I’m grateful for my daughter who brings joy to my life each day; my friends and family who offer support, laughter, and love; good health; a team that I couldn’t do without; a home to call our own; and a job I love coming to each day knowing that I can impact the lives of others. These are the big things, but I also want to take more time to be thankful for the sun shining in late November, the neighbor who offers a wave as I drive down the street, living in a country where I don’t have to fear for my freedom or safety, a smile from a colleague mid-afternoon just at the moment I could use a little pick me up, the upbeat, chipper personality of the barista as I get my morning coffee, oh the list could go on and on! Too often we don’t take the time to appreciate the small things that make our days a little bit brighter and easier.

At The Kim Foundation we are overflowing with gratitude as well, as we are coming off a memorable year. We are grateful to the many new supporters we have gained this year that share in our mission to serve as a compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness. We are grateful for a successful fall event, our volunteers, our community partners who carry out their incredible work daily, a board who allows us to carry out their passion each day to impact the lives of others, new opportunities for partnerships and trainings, the start of the Metro Area LOSS Team, our C&A Industries family who embraces us and supports us in all that we do, and the opportunity for a more targeted direction in the future that is going to allow us to impact the community in a meaningful way by increasing suicide prevention efforts. And that isn’t even all of it! We’ve had such an incredible year, and on behalf of our entire team, THANK YOU, for all that you’ve done to be a part of it. We are truly grateful.

So what is it you are grateful for? Please let us know at the foundation; we always love to hear from our readers, and want to share in the spirit of gratitude.

During this meaningful and festive time of year please don’t forget those less fortunate, or those who have had a tough year. Reach out to a friend or family member you’ve lost touch with. Lend a hand to a neighbor who is struggling to keep up. Put a few extra dollars in that red bucket as you’re walking in for groceries. Take a meal down to one of the shelters. Show your children how much they have to be grateful for, and the importance of giving back to others. Do something, and join me in the practice of intentional gratitude not only in the next month, but well into the next year.

Thank you for your continued support of The Kim Foundation, and have a blessed and memorable Thanksgiving!

Julia Hebenstreit, Executive Director of The Kim Foundation

Julia Hebenstreit is the Executive Director of The Kim Foundation. She received her J.D. from Creighton University in 2005, and her BS in Journalism from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2002. She has been with The Kim Foundation since 2011, and prior to that worked for local non-profits doing development, strategic planning, communications and advancement. She has a passion for helping people and improving lives, and serves on the Executive Committee for Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, as the 2015 Hill Day State Captain for the state of Nebraska, and as an active member of the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Early Childhood Mental Health Coalition, BHECN Advisory Committee, RESPECT Advisory Board, Connections Advisory Board and the Project Propel Planning Group.