In this crazy world, we often start to think more about what’s coming next in our lives rather than remembering to be grateful for the gifts we enjoy today. In recent weeks, I have personally reflected on how grateful I am to have known Tony Clements and had the opportunity to work with him as a colleague of NIRSA. He left his imprint on our industry and all his colleagues with his heart and soul!

But, it shouldn’t take the loss of a loved one to make us feel grateful to be on this earth. Gratitude comes from the heart, and I hope you’ll consider some of these practices to allow you to feel gratitude everyday:

  • Connect with a friend or family member who has made a difference in your life to say “Thanks.”
  • Look for reasons to be thankful as we search for whatever it is we’re looking for.
  • Sincerely thank others for anything and everything—doing so will brighten your day as well as theirs.
  • Spend time in quiet reflection—I’ve found that happiness comes from inside ourselves and not by comparing ourselves to others.
  • Count the many privileges you have rather than the comforts you are missing.
  • Take a walk in nature where there is no judgment.
  • Take a deep breath and know that you likely enjoy more abundance than is needed to thrive and that your heart is capable of more gratitude than you think it can hold.
  • Keep a journal and write down three “gratitudes” each night—I firmly believe this conscious act will help you sleep.

It is amazing for me to reflect on the fact that I have been a NIRSA member for over 40 years! I am especially grateful for the friendships and connections that I have made throughout North America over the years thanks to NIRSA.

As we work in the world of recreation, health, and wellbeing, every day is truly a gift. As we try to make a positive difference in the lives of those who participate in our programs, I encourage us all to resolve to do so with an attitude of gratitude. Along this professional journey, we need to realize how fortunate we have been to have the support of our institutions, colleagues, and families to do the work that we love.

Often, I have heard people say that a NIRSA Annual Conference is so much like a family reunion—quite frankly, this is exactly how I feel about it. I must say how especially grateful I am to consider all of you to be my NIRSA Family for all these years.

When I give to the NIRSA Foundation, it is my way of expressing my gratitude to my colleagues, my friends, and my NIRSA Family. It’s my way of saying “thanks” for everything that I have received.

In my role as NIRSA Foundation President, I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all of you who have also donated to the NIRSA Foundation. You have made such an incredible difference to our profession and to our colleagues—both current and future.

 

Senior Associate Athletics Director for Recreation and Wellness at Stanford University | NIRSA Profile

Eric Stein is currently the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Recreation and Wellness at Stanford University. He is currently serving as the President of the NIRSA Foundation.