English (United States)
The world is in desperate need of healing. Navigating this exhausting pandemic and sociopolitical landscape has, at times, left the nation short on compassion and long on fear and judgement.
As we endlessly search for a remedy, I am confident we can unify and begin the healing process with the help of gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just a beautiful sentiment. It’s one of the most powerful and positive emotions we can have. And, we can equip ourselves with it to overcome any struggle. Any setback. Any division.
Gratitude can be used to fuel our well-being by lifting us out of constricting emotions toward more higher feelings of love and joy. It’s there we find deep-seeded appreciation for others and everything around us.
Now is the perfect time to reflect on this very idea. As the holidays near, I find solace and peace in friends and family. I find strength and hope as I turn my focus to the blessings I receive every day from them. I am so grateful I can share in the season among those I love, and the pandemic has only heightened that feeling.
Humans are social beings. We’ve all had to learn different ways to interact during COVID-19. And, though I look forward to a future where we can return to more face-to-face interactions, how wonderful it is we have technology to keep us connected, and how profound the patience we all have exhibited with each other as we’ve adapted to this new, virtual environment.
Distractions and hectic holiday or work schedules can deter from the necessity to take a step back and ensure a little “family” or “me” time. Balance nowadays is more important than ever, and I am very fortunate to be part of such a great organization that values family as much as hard work.
Sometimes, the most gratifying thing we can do is take the time to reach out to others and be a light in the darkness. NPPD teammates have. We are in our communities, guiding our youth. Finding answers to local problems. Extending a hand to others. We are your friends. Your neighbors. Your extended family.
Public power provides a unique outlet for us to do these things, whether helping those in need pay their electric bills by donating to our Pennies from Power program or collaborating with towns and local businesses through technological, environmental, recreational, or foundational projects and stewardship.
In the beginning, this neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy was rooted in bringing Nebraskans the benefits of electrification and the improved quality of life that comes with it. Now, it has extended into almost every fiber of our lives.
As NPPD’s CEO, I am most thankful for our customers. NPPD does not exist without them; they are our sole reason for being. They may come in various sizes and types, with a variety of different goals, expectations and needs, but at the end of the day, they are the folks for whom we work relentlessly. We do this to ensure they can enjoy their favorite, Thanksgiving Day football game in the comfort of a nice, warm living room. We do it to guarantee they can call or virtually meet with loved ones during these family-filled times. We do it to keep their turkey dinner evenly roasting, and their pie perfectly baking.
To me, Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with family to celebrate the bounty of this metaphorical harvest made possible with the help of reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity – a gift given by countless people working throughout the generations within our industry.
So, how can we approach the end of this trying year with gratitude in mind? We could struggle under the seemingly persistent weight of the world. Or, we can choose to calm our bodies and minds, finding fulfillment in the everyday simplicities that are present if we only dare to look.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe holiday season with family and friends. Thank you for trusting in NPPD and being part of the extended NPPD family.
