Did you know that giving thanks can make you happier? Since I am writing this in the month of Thanksgiving, I thought I would write about thankfulness and gratitude. Showing gratitude acknowledges the goodness in our lives, and most times, that graciousness comes from outside of ourselves. Being thankful and gracious helps us build strong relationships in our lives. It also shares positive emotions and improves the way we interpret the situations we face.
It is award season in the world of our PGA Professionals, which shows gratitude for the best of the best. The PGA Annual Meeting is coming up with an amazing award ceremony that never disappoints.
In our section, all five chapters have recently announced their award winners for 2023 and moved their candidates on for section awards. Congratulations to the chapters winners and best of luck to our section nominees. The awards presented are your peers’ way of saying thank you to the many professionals who serve our organization and business of golf. By being nominated for and receiving these awards, know that the entire organization is grateful for how you serve, and your uniqueness in doing so.
Gratitude is also a gift in seasons that are challenging. Many of us have completed our busy golf season and are entering into the planning season for next year. For me, we are dealing with strategic planning and budgeting to align ourselves for success in the coming year.
This is often a trying season that can leave me weary. I find I sleep less, I work longer hours, and my mind is always searching for the ways we can make all the pieces work. I am grateful, throughout this time, for the support of my staff, committees, and board to make it all work. I am also grateful for the support of my wife and our family in patiently allowing me to make this push. It takes time away from them, but I am grateful that when I need to step away from it all, they are there to bring joy to my life.
As this relates to the Section, I am grateful to Frank, our staff, and our board of directors during the same process. Strategic planning and budgeting for the Section and five Chapters is no easy task. Thank you to our Chapter ED’s for your hard work on the 2024 budget and tournament schedules. They are key in serving our members in our large geographical area and growing the game.
I am very thankful for my fellow section officers, for their time and for the passion they bring to serve the member and grow the game. I hold deep gratitude, too, for the leadership across our five chapters, for our chapter boards, and their generous gift of service to us all.
By focusing on all our blessings we are grateful for, we gain perspective and sometimes a renewed sense of purpose to keep moving through our challenges. As you go through this month leading up to Thanksgiving, reflect on what you are grateful for. Thank the people surrounding you who support you in whatever you’re facing, and most importantly, be gracious to yourself.
Know your value and be proud of yourself, what you bring to your family, facility, and the game as a part of this incredible association. Be thankful for the relationships you have built, both within the PGA and in our facilities. Know that your families are proud of you and the achievements you have made. Celebrate them and reflect. It will carry you through your next challenge.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! We are certainly grateful for each and every one of you for making us the incredible section we are.
Chris M. Nowlen, PGA