Gratitude by Bridger Grothe

The Denver YMAD Expedition propelled itself into the Christmas season with a very important topic centered around gratitude. Our 3 hour meeting began with a very thought provoking lesson by Brett Palmer the director of Youth Making a Difference. He shared with us his purpose and what drives him to be apart of this amazing organization. Memorable quotes from the lesson were “Be grateful for those you are leading”, “Small things are important to us and they each add up into big things” and finally “Focus on the good things more than the bad things”. After this discussion he encouraged us to recognize the importance of a “thank you”. He asked us to humble ourselves and ask for things we want to be thanked for. Groups were made among the group and deep conversation was engaged among us. We learned new things about one another. We came to reconciliation that a simple but genuine “thank you” can go for miles, it is a win win for the giver and the receiver. We were all certainly grateful for this lesson and for the time Mr. Palmer had taken to be with us this night. 

As a result of this our team was given a couple of challenges. First, Thank your parents in the most genuine way that you can and ask them what they want you to thank them for. Second, ask anyone of your friends, co workers, or peers if there is something that they want to be thanked for. After this request we transitioned into our Ted Talks given by Jonas, Eric and Erin. All were well prepared and each one offered insightful knowledge that many were unaware of. To close the meeting the group participated in practicing our song and dance. We had a social media challenge as well this week, we created YMAD memes and shared them with each other. 

There is always a question to consider, how might we be more grateful for things and people in our lives.

Bridger