Embracing Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Hi, I’m Maia Yrene, the Marketing & Content Coordinator here at ELEVATION180. I joined the team in February of this year, and every day since, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible group of people. Jerry and Kelley Lujan, our amazing leaders, and everyone at ELEVATION180 make this place so much more than just a job—it’s a family.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I find myself counting all the blessings in my life. Gratitude has a powerful way of bringing clarity, reminding us of the good amidst life’s challenges. I’d love to share my gratitude with you in hopes that it inspires you to reflect on your own.

What I’m Grateful For

First and foremost, I’m thankful for the people in my life. My family is everything to me, offering unwavering support, and my friends are a constant source of joy and motivation. Working remotely from North Carolina while staying connected to ELEVATION180 has been a unique blessing. While being far from loved ones can feel tough, I’m incredibly grateful for their efforts to keep in touch. Whether it’s a phone call, a quick message, or just knowing they’re there, these relationships remind me that distance doesn’t diminish love.

Growing up, I didn’t always feel this sense of gratitude. Moving around often as a kid felt like a burden at the time—I hated leaving friends behind and constantly being the “new kid.” I couldn’t understand why it had to be my life. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized those experiences shaped me in profound ways. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find home wherever I go.

Looking back, I see those challenges weren’t setbacks but stepping stones, helping me become who I am today. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that struggles often pave the way for future strengths. Even when things feel difficult, there’s often a hidden gift waiting to reveal itself.

Choosing Gratitude

Life is full of choices. When faced with hardships, we can let them break us, or we can keep moving forward, focusing on what we have rather than what we lack. It’s not always easy, especially for those who may not have strong support systems or who’ve faced immense hardships. My heart goes out to those in difficult circumstances. But even in the darkest times, I believe there’s light to be found—whether it’s in a kind gesture, a shared laugh, or a moment of peace.

A Thanksgiving Challenge

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to embrace gratitude in small but meaningful ways. Take a moment to make a list of the people who’ve made a difference in your life. Reach out to them with a quick message, a call, or even a handwritten note to let them know how much they mean to you. Relationships thrive on these little acts of kindness, and gratitude has a way of deepening our connections.

At ELEVATION180, we’re especially grateful for our clients and everyone we’ve had the privilege of working with. You inspire us to continue our mission of creating pathways to freedom and growth. Thank you for being part of this journey.

So this season, whether it’s the barista who remembers your order, the friend who makes you laugh, or the coworker who brightens your day, take a moment to acknowledge the good. Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand—it can be found in the smallest things.

From all of us at ELEVATION180, Happy Thanksgiving. May your season be filled with gratitude, joy, and connection.

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