Gratitude - An act of resilience

rkoliver84
2 days ago
3 min read

A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE

Gratitude is sometimes misunderstood as something soft or passive—something we turn to only when things are easy.

But in school social work, gratitude is often the opposite. It’s what grounds us when the work is heavy, the systems are strained, and the needs feel endless.

This month’s A Purposeful Pause is an invitation to see gratitude as transformative, as a source of strength.

Gratitude does not mean ignoring the realities, hurts, and negative experiences that exist. Having a sense of gratitude instead primes our mindset to give priority to the good.

Gratitude reminds us that even when progress feels slow, our work matters. It helps us notice the quiet moments that don’t make headlines: a student who trusts again, a family who feels heard and supported, a colleague who shows up when things get hard. These moments are not small—they are the foundation of impact.

In a profession that asks so much of its practitioners, gratitude also helps us stay connected to one another. It reminds us that none of us do this work alone. We are part of a field filled with skilled, compassionate professionals who carry one another through difficult days and celebrate hard-earned wins together.

This month, I encourage you to pause and bring into focus one thing you’re grateful for in your work—not because everything is perfect, but because recognizing impact is an act of resilience.

Gratitude doesn’t ignore the challenges we face; it gives us the strength to keep moving forward.

ABOUT THIS SERIES

A Purposeful Pause is a monthly message from the Executive Director, created to offer a moment of pause, reflection, and intentional forward movement for the school social work field.

Each month, we focus on one idea that reflects both the realities and the possibilities of our profession. These messages are intentionally shared across formats to meet members where they are and reinforce a timely, consistent, values-driven narrative.

A Purposeful Pause is grounded in the belief that progress does not happen through urgency alone, but through shared purpose, collective effort, and steady leadership. Together, we take a pause to reflect—and then we move our profession forward.

Interested in learning more of the science behind how gratitude and a positive mindset can rewire our brain toward happiness and success?

The Happiness Advantage - How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life

by Shawn Achor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca K. Oliver is the Executive Director of the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). Mrs. Oliver became the association's Executive Director in 2015 after a 20+ year career as a School Social Worker in Texas. Mrs. Oliver achieved a post-graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and SSWAA has experienced significant growth under her leadership. When asked, Rebecca shares that she is committed to servant leadership and believes in building a strong staff and working collaboratively with the Board of Directors. When asked about her best accomplishment over the past 11 years, Rebecca said, "This work is my passion! While the road has not always been easy, I have met wonderful colleagues and have seen impactful growth in the association. However, I am most proud of the SSWAA team that has been built and their dedication to this association and the membership."

This content was enhanced with the support of AI.