This has been another challenging year for federal workers.  We began this year experiencing furlough days  and  additional talks of sequestration throughout the year.  Feds are now experiencing workload doubling and tighter deadlines with little to no investment in training. Yet through all of that, we have so much to be thankful for.  We survived it all.  There is no doubt that times have changed and the government is different, but the question is, have you changed?

For FEW, this year has been a year of self determination and discovery.  It’s a year of examining your “Journey to Excellence.”  We held true to our mission.  FEW provided training to feds interested in self development and career enhancement.  In addition, we held multiple webinars on legislation and leadership training.  We set a goal  to nurture a better you.  Again, we have so much to be thankful for.  Your membership allowed us to strengthen our voice.  It allowed us to make a stronger impact on Capitol Hill and within Agencies and to ultimately influence the world.

We face challenges everyday.   And even for me this has been the toughest time of my life.  In a short amount of time I lost my mom, my son was brutally attacked, my husband and dad became ill, and  I had unexpected emergency surgery.  But, I survived it all.  There is still so much to be thankful for.   The ability to wake up each day with my mind in a good space and a positive attitude is priceless.  This journey I’m on is always excellent.  Each challenge you face will make you stronger.  I am thankful for the journey.

We have all kinds of ways to be thankful and many things to be grateful for that we might not even notice. The next time you go to complain, I challenge you to think of the blessing that your journey really is. Take some time today, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, to come up with a gratitude list. If it doesn’t come naturally, don’t let that stop you from still giving thanks. There is still much to be thankful for, if we only have eyes to see.

• I am thankful for my health, for being able to get up each day on my own.
• I am thankful for my husband, for my greatest support since we were married and has never once let me down
• I am thankful for my family, who are my biggest fans and my greatest inspiration.
• I am thankful for the gift of work — that it is both extremely hard and easy at the same time. Easy to do, hard to master. Always frustrating. Always rewarding.
• I am thankful for FEW, for allowing me to represent women continuing to do work that matters.
• I am thankful for my freedom and the amazing men and women who put their lives on the line to protect it.
• Lastly, and most importantly, I am thankful for Grace — for love that cannot be explained (only surrendered to), for a Creator that inspires creativity, for purpose and a hope that there is more to the story than we see.

Happy Thanksgiving.  It is such an honor and privilege to serve you. This holiday season remember to not let the hurdles stop you… and GO FOR IT.