Gratitude

I believe there is a difference between being thankful and living a life in gratitude. Thankfulness or being thankful is an immediate response usually directed toward a person or an event.  It is usually an external expression. You can also be grateful but you can't “gratitude” you can’t say “gratitude for having me at this party” for example.  You can have gratitude, be in gratitude, be grateful.  To me, it is really a state of being that is deeper, internal and creates a long-term perspective.

In saying that, I will say the customary “I am thankful for our team, our customers and the many retailers using the platform.”.  

However, I live with gratitude for the following- I need to include them all (bear with me) because work, family, friends and faith are all very intertwined for most of us.

My family: 

• I live in gratitude for a husband who supports me and our family.  Who has given up on some of his dreams so I lead RepSpark with support from home.  Who has a focus on our family and making our boys better people while they are here on earth.
• I live in gratitude for my 3 boys who understand the importance of family first-brothers first, who understand that I may have to miss things sometimes and that does not mean I love them any less, who are curious about life, who knows what the sign below the table means when they walk in and I’m on a call.  Who still snuggle at 14 and who are working to be better each day.
• I live in deep gratitude for my mom and dad who have instilled values and have curated a positive inner dialogue.  Who have been truthful, loving and direct in their support.

RepSpark: Our Team, Our Brand Family

• I am in gratitude for our team who understands who we serve, why we do what we do and who are all in and passionate about our mission and share our values.  Who are growing with us and are eager to grow and be better every day.
• I come to work in gratitude for the 150 brands that have trusted RepSpark to grow their wholesale business.  Some who have given us grace as we have grown beside them.
• I engage in gratitude for opportunities to be creative, to put the puzzle pieces together, to capitalize on the strengths of our team as we are better together.

My Friends:

• I have so much gratitude for the friends that surround me.  They forgive me for missed girls lunches & playdates and understand my passion for what we do here at RepSpark.

My Faith: 

• I live in gratitude for the opportunities I have been given.  My faith allows me peace and persistence, which is far different from a state of constant worry, chaos, and lack of clarity.  It supports a humble confidence to tackle what comes up each day.

I am thankful for so many people, opportunities, and things, but I live in deep gratitude for the most important aspects of my life.  

For me Gratitude 

Allows a peace with the past: It allows us to reflect on our experiences, both good and bad, and recognize the lessons they’ve taught us. Instead of dwelling on what we’ve lost or the mistakes we’ve made, gratitude invites us to appreciate the growth that has come from those moments. 

Contentment & Excitement for the present:  When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we open ourselves to the beauty of the moment. It reminds us to savor the little things: a kind word, a shared laugh, or a moment of connection with others. This awareness brings joy and excitement into our daily lives, allowing us to fully engage with the world around us and appreciate the richness of our experiences.

Vision of the future: When I acknowledge the blessings in my life and how I can be grateful for learning moments when things did not go my way, I become more optimistic about what lies ahead. Gratitude empowers us to dream bigger, to set new goals, and to believe that we can create positive change.