As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished and look ahead to a bright future in 2024. In honor of practicing gratitude this season and sharing positive energy with others, we caught up with Point B’ers across the company to find out what they’re grateful for and how they practice gratitude individually.
Below, hear from Jennifer Magary (Marketing Manager), Gwen Migita (Executive Director of ESG & Social Impact), Sreya Putrevu (Analyst), and Autumn Barnett (Senior Management Consultant).
What have you been grateful for this year?
Jennifer Magary
I’m grateful for a quiet year! While that might sound a tad boring, my family had a lot of life changes. Before joining Point B, our family experienced a whirlwind of change, uprooting our lives overseas and relocating to Texas. I’m so grateful that we’ve settled into our home and found a comfortable routine. My sons love their school and teachers, and we couldn't be happier and prouder of how they’ve grown this past year.
How do you practice and share gratitude?
Jennifer
Expressing gratitude through everyday gestures is important to me. It can be as simple as saying thank you to someone who has gone out of their way to help you, regardless of the size of the act of kindness. Simple random acts of kindness are also a great way to show appreciation to others, such as ordering lunch for teachers or volunteering at school events. These acts can be more intentional, too. Whether it’s giving a wave to another driver who allows me to cut in or thanking a helpful store employee, even the smallest things can brighten someone's day.
Gwen
Through small acts of kindness and showing appreciation through gifts, notes, and verbal acknowledgement in front of teams. I like to do this through my Japanese and Hawaiian cultures, such “omiyage” (gifts and memories), which come from places I’ve resided in when visiting other Point B offices or after the completion of a project.
Sryea
Starting and ending every day with a quick minute of gratitude has been one of my favorite ways of quickly recognizing all the blessings I have in my life. I also share it if I can, whether that's through acts of service or letting someone know that I’m grateful to have them in my life.
Autumn
I tend to share my gratitude for individuals and groups through words of affirmation and encouragement or acts of service.
What advice would you give to others about showing/sharing gratitude?
Jennifer
Take a moment to look up sometimes. You never know what someone might be going through - it's easy to get caught up in our lives and work. We're always trying to move from one thing to the next, so it's nice to look up and thank the people who've supported you. Even a thank you note or shoutout in a team setting can make someone's day.
Gwen
People like to be thanked in different ways. Consider high-context cultures, such as many Asian Pacific Islander communities, generational traits (e.g. Gen X compared to Gen Z), and even gender-conforming assumptions. It took me a long time to express myself fluidly in low-context cultures, especially in environments led by mostly white men. Share a bit of yourself authentically when showing gratitude. Don’t apologize about who you are (nor how you express yourself) and always assume positive intent.
Sryea
Be intentional about sharing your gratitude and appreciation with others! Whether it means telling a friend, family member, or even coworker that you’re grateful to have them in your life or showing it through acts of service, gratitude never goes unappreciated.
Autumn
Sharing your gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it can be quite simple and manifest itself in a multitude of ways. As we approach the holiday season, consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or even a coworker to tell them you appreciate them or consider donating your time to those that are less fortunate.
