EDITOR’S NOTE {on the job}
THANK YOU KINDLY Let’s face it. We all want to be happy, and there are lots of ideas about what happiness is and how we can get some. In fact, a new branch of study called positive psychology is trying to tease out the roots of a happy and meaningful life. Findings have shown that happiness is linked to gratitude, strong social connections and contributing to something bigger than yourself — the greater good, as they say. By this metric, Marcia Meyer has every reason to be happy. The founder of the Be Kind People Project, she has devoted her life to teaching the next generation to be respectful, responsible, healthy and caring citizens. I recently had the chance to watch the group give a high-energy performance and see firsthand how the Be Kind crew is touching the lives of Arizona’s students. It’s a message I try to emulate and pass on myself. I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal for years, and have goaded my 14-year-old son into keeping one too. And even though mine is often filled with memorable dinners and his recounts Fortnite wins, the practice has helped train our brains to look for the good. Which is appropriate at this time of year. In honor of Thanksgiving, the Frontdoors team asked local chefs to recommend their favorite cookbooks. Maybe one of them will inspire you to cook a dish worthy of a journal mention of your own. But the season is about more than a dinner. It’s about reflecting on life’s blessings, no matter what else is happening in the world. At the Be Kind People assembly, I received Pay It Forward cards designed to put kind thoughts into action. Let me use a few of them here. Shout Out
to our writers Tyler Butler, Tom Evans, Jamie Killin, Judy Pearson and Carey Peña for energetically unearthing meaningful stories every month. You Rock to Nicole King and Jillian Rivera for capturing wonderful images that bring each issue to life. Thank You Kindly to our new creative director, Erin Garcia, who has jumped into her role with gusto and grace. And Huge Kudos to our publisher Andrea Evans, who is leading the publication in dynamic new directions. I’m fortunate to work with such a kind, smart and talented team. Finally, I’m grateful for you, dear reader, who inspires what we create and why we do it. Having the opportunity to tell stories of giving is a privilege not just in November, but every month of the year. Maybe that’s something I should enshrine in my gratitude journal. Because, as science is now finding, it isn’t happy people who are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy.
Karen Werner EDITOR
@kwerner409
P.S. This month, I also had the honor of interviewing Rita Brock-Perini, vice president of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council. At 80 years old, she has the kind of wisdom and life experience that make you sit up and listen. I’d be remiss not to be grateful for servicemembers like her this Veterans Day and to express thanks to everyone who has served.
