In our busy modern world filled with distractions, anonymous constant contacts and the invasion of artificial intelligence, the fast pace all too often prevents us from slowing down. Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the generosity and good tidings around us that are taken for granted such as public safety, shelter, food and love.
In our efforts to achieve, progress and produce, we may, at times, lose sight of these simpler and more essential gifts that come with faith and appreciation.
Practicing grateful thinking helps us turn our attention away from negativity and toward what is working in our lives, and how far we’ve come as we age. An attitude of gratitude can lighten and brighten our outlook, releasing the pressure of constant worry and effort.
While setting goals is natural (especially if you ask PN columnist Mike Cooper), gratitude balances desires with the inherent message that we really do have enough. Gratitude comes with an attitude that allows us to rest and feel contentment, finding joy in the affordable present.
We can develop our capacity for appreciation simply by looking for it.
We may feel grateful for a sunny afternoon even when it’s 15 degrees outside and all the sidewalks are passable, clear of snow and ice. We may appreciate a loved one’s phone call. And we’re happy, especially, to take care of our son’s dog while his family vacations. Focusing on simple gifts can have a powerful and even transformative effect on our lives.
Look forward
And as we wrap up this first PN commentary for 2026, we’re grateful we have far more information and news to place on our pages than we have space. And that’s good news for our website.
Before every day is finished, we plan to take a quiet moment of reflection to honor the courage, resilience and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation that included many loved ones in our families, our communities and our nation. We especially felt gratitude during the recent tribute to WWII Veteran John Prescott on his 100th birthday, complete with a police escort leading a drive-by parade.
Thanks for trusting us with your news as we aim to get it correct. Since 2001, Positively Naperville has aimed to be a community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel our independent local outreach.
And let us end with a couple more notable quotes about counting our blessings.
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual,” is a quote credited to Henry David Thoreau.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around,” said Willie Nelson.
Let there be peace. Good luck all next year finding that middle ground with good will, good times and good graces!
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher
