A Season for Gratitude at AC
As we move deeper into fall and the holiday season begins to take shape around us, there's something in the air that invites us to slow down, even if just for a moment. The semester has been moving at full speed, with the everyday rhythm of campus life keeping us all on our toes. This time of year also offers us a natural pause, a chance to catch our breath and reflect on what's truly meaningful.
Enter gratitude. This is not just one more thing to add to your already full plate. We're talking about simple, grounding practices that can support your well-being and help you show up more fully in your work and life.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude isn't just a feel-good idea. Research shows that people who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress and depression, better sleep, and even greater resilience when facing challenges. One study found that participants who wrote down things they were grateful for just once a week reported feeling more optimistic and experienced fewer physical ailments.
Here at Amarillo College, we see moments worth noticing every single day. A student who finally grasps a tough concept after weeks of struggle. A colleague in facilities who quietly fixes a problem before most people even know it existed. A team that pulls together to make an event happen. These moments often pass by unnoticed, but they're the threads that weave together our sense of connection and belonging on our campuses.
When we take time to acknowledge the good, even in small doses, we're not ignoring the hard stuff. We're building the resilience and perspective we need to navigate it.
Gratitude as a Well-Being Practice
No one needs another item on their to-do list. The beauty of gratitude is that it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's not about forcing positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It's simply about noticing.
Maybe it's the quiet of your office before the day gets going. Maybe it's a coworker in student services who helped you track down an answer when you were stuck. Maybe it’s watching a student walk across campus with a little more confidence than they had at the start of the semester. These moments are happening. Gratitude asks us to pause long enough to see them.
For faculty and staff navigating busy seasons, this practice can be an anchor. It helps us stay centered, connected to our purpose, and reminded of why we do this work in the first place.
Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude
If you're curious about bringing a little more gratitude into your days, here are a few low-lift ideas to try:
Micro-Moments
After something positive happens, take 10 seconds to mentally acknowledge it. A student thanked you for your help? A colleague in the library tracked down a resource for you? Your morning meeting ended early? Simply notice it. That's it.
1-Minute Check-In
At the start or end of your day, name one win (big or small) and one person you appreciate. It could be a successful class discussion, a smooth event setup, or the IT team member who solved your tech issue in record time.
Gratitude "Shout-Outs"
Send a quick email or even a handwritten note to a colleague. Let them know you noticed their effort, their kindness, or their expertise. Small expressions like this don't just make someone's day. They strengthen connection and engagement across departments.
End-of-Week Reflection
Before you close out your week, jot down three meaningful things. Maybe it's a student success story, a moment of teamwork with your department, or a personal joy that made you smile. Keeping track helps you see patterns of goodness you might otherwise miss.
The Employee Wellness Committee invites you to try one gratitude practice for the next two weeks. Pick whichever one feels most doable for you.
When Gratitude Isn't Enough
While gratitude can be a helpful tool for navigating stress and staying grounded, we also want to acknowledge that the holiday season isn't easy for everyone. For some, this time of year brings financial pressure, family stress, grief, or feelings of isolation. If you're finding things particularly difficult right now, please know that support is available.
Amarillo College's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here for you. Whether you're dealing with personal challenges, work-related stress, or just need someone to talk to, the EAP offers confidential support and resources at no cost to you. You don't have to navigate hard seasons alone.
Reaching out for help is its own form of self-care, and we encourage you to use the resources available to you.
Bringing It Back to the Season
As the semester winds down and we look toward the new year ahead, it's easy to get caught up in everything still left to do. But it's also a season that reminds us to notice the good, even when it's tucked between busy moments.
As we move through these final weeks, let's give ourselves permission to pause. To notice. To appreciate the people, the progress, and the small joys that make up our days at Amarillo College.
Here's to entering the new year with a grounded, grateful mindset. You've earned it.
